JP2022504162A - How to operate an electrolytic reactor and an electrolytic reactor - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods of modifying the configuration of electrolytic reactors. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises an electrolytic reactor assembly comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, the electrolytic reactor assembly being configured to operate in at least two modes of operation. The system also comprises at least one switching element coupled to the electrolytic reactor assembly, a control unit, and a monitoring system coupled to the control unit, wherein the monitoring system has at least one attribute associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. Is configured to monitor. The control unit is configured to change the configuration of the electrolytic reactor assembly between at least two modes of operation based on at least one attribute associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly monitored by the monitoring system.

Description

Specific examples described relate to an electrolytic reactor system, specifically an electrolytic reactor system that can be dynamically configured to operate at temperatures below the optimum operating range associated with the electrolytic reactor system.

The fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine can be improved by injecting hydrogen gas and oxygen gas into the intake flow of the engine. In some cases, hydrogen and oxygen gases may be supplied to the internal combustion engine by an "on-demand" electrolytic reactor system, which electrolyzes the substrate to separate hydrogen and oxygen gases. generate.

Electrolytic reactor systems generally require an optimum temperature range to operate effectively. Electrolytic reactor systems operating at ambient temperatures below the optimum temperature range, i.e. in colder weather, may require an external heat source to initiate the electrolysis process.

However, the use of external heat sources poses some challenges. Specifically, the external heat source is typically located above or inside a knockout tank that supplies the electrolyte solution to the electrolytic reactor. Therefore, the electrolytic reactor does not receive heat directly from an external heat source, and as a result, it takes longer to warm up to a functional operating state. In addition, the external heat source may need to be additionally powered to generate heat, in addition to the power required for the electrolytic reactor. There are also some potential safety issues associated with using external heat sources with electrolytic reactors.

In one aspect of the invention, in at least one embodiment described herein, there is a method of modifying the configuration of an electrolytic reactor. The electrolytic reactor comprises an electrolytic reactor assembly comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, wherein the electrolytic reactor assembly performs electrolysis on the electrolyte solution and operates in at least two modes of operation. It is composed of. The method comprises a step of determining at least one attribute associated with an electrolytic reactor assembly by a monitoring system, a step of analyzing at least one attribute by a control unit coupled to the monitoring system, and a control unit. Using at least one switching element and a step of determining the mode of operation associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly based on at least one attribute, the configuration of the electrolytic reactor is changed to the mode of operation determined by the control unit. Including steps to do.

As a feature of the embodiment, the method includes a step of connecting a first switching element to a first predetermined number of electrolytic cells in an electrolytic reactor assembly and a second switching element in the electrolytic reactor assembly. In the step of binding to the second predetermined number of electrolytic cells, the number of the second predetermined number of electrolytic cells is smaller than that of the first predetermined number of electrolytic cells, and the third switching element. In the step of binding to a third predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic reactor assembly, the third predetermined number of electrolytic cells is less than the second predetermined number of electrolytic cells. And, in the step of connecting the fourth switching element to the fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic reactor assembly, the fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells is the third predetermined number. Further includes, with fewer steps than the electrolytic cell.

Another feature is that the method activates a first switching element if the first signal from the monitoring system identifies a first predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. It further comprises the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation.

Yet another feature is that the method activates a first switching element if the first signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of first predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. Thereby, it further comprises the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation.

As a further feature, the method comprises activating a second switching element if the second signal from the monitoring system identifies a second predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. The step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second operating mode, wherein the second predetermined temperature range further includes a step lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

As another feature, the method activates a second switching element if the second signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of second predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In the second step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second mode of operation, the second predetermined current consumption range further includes steps lower than the first predetermined current consumption range.

Yet another feature is that the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second mode of operation results in the electrolytic reactor system more than the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation. Generates a lot of heat.

As a further feature, the method comprises activating a third switching element if a third signal from the monitoring system identifies a third predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the operation mode of 3, the third predetermined temperature range further includes a step lower than the second predetermined temperature range.

As another feature, the method activates a third switching element if a third signal from the monitoring system identifies a third predetermined range of current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. The third step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third mode of operation, wherein the third predetermined current consumption range further includes a step lower than the second predetermined current consumption range.

Yet another feature is that the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third mode of operation results in the electrolytic reactor system being the electrolytic reactor in either the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation. Generates more heat than the steps that operate the assembly.

As a further feature, the method comprises activating a fourth switching element if the fourth signal from the monitoring system identifies a third predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. Further including the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the operation mode of 4.

As another feature, the method activates a fourth switching element if the fourth signal from the monitoring system identifies a third predetermined range of current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. Further comprises the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth mode of operation.

As yet another feature, the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth mode of operation results in the electrolytic reactor system having a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation, or a third mode of operation. It generates more heat than the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in any of the modes.

As a further feature, the electrolytic reactor is coupled to the internal combustion engine and the electrolyte solution used in the electrolytic reactor is water, the method of which is in the step of detecting one or more operating conditions associated with the internal combustion engine. There are steps in which the internal combustion engine is configured to burn a mixture of carbon-based fuel, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, and in the control unit whether the internal combustion engine requires more hydrogen gas. Further, a determination step and, if the internal combustion engine requires a larger amount of hydrogen gas, a step of operating at least one of a second switching element, a third switching element, and a fourth switching element. include.

In another aspect, in at least one embodiment described herein, there is a system that modifies the configuration of the electrolytic reactor, wherein the system is an electrolytic reactor assembly comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells. The electrolytic cell is configured to perform electrolysis on the electrolyte solution, and the electrolytic reactor assembly is configured to operate in at least two modes of operation, with the electrolytic reactor assembly and the electrolytic reactor. At least one switching element coupled to the assembly, at least one switching element and a control unit operably coupled to the electrolytic reactor assembly, a control unit, an electrolytic reactor assembly, and at least one switching element. A monitoring system coupled to the monitoring system comprising a monitoring system configured to monitor at least one attribute associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the control unit being monitored by the monitoring system. Based on at least one attribute of the electrolytic reactor assembly, it is configured to change the configuration of the electrolytic reactor assembly between at least two modes of operation.

As a feature of this embodiment, the monitoring system comprises a temperature sensor configured to monitor the ambient temperature associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, and the control unit configures the electrolytic reactor assembly based on the ambient temperature. Configured to change.

As another feature, the temperature sensor is located in the vicinity of the electrolytic reactor assembly.

As a further feature, the monitoring system comprises a current sensor configured to monitor the current consumption by the electrolytic reactor assembly, and the control unit is based on the current consumption by the electrolytic reactor assembly. It is configured to change the configuration of.

As yet another feature, the gas generation rate of the electrolytic reactor assembly is determined based on the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly.

As another feature, the plurality of electrolytic cells are divided into a first cell unit and a second cell unit, and the first cell unit and the second cell unit are arranged in parallel with each other. The electrolytic cells of the first cell unit and the second cell unit are arranged in series with each other.

As yet another feature, the first cell unit and the second cell unit share a common negative electricity.

As a further feature, each of the first and second cell units comprises six electrolytic cells.

As another feature, at least one switching element is a first switching element coupled to six electrolytic cells in the first cell unit and six electrolytic cells in the second cell unit. , A second switching element coupled to five electrolytic cells in the first cell unit and five electrolytic cells in the second cell unit, and four in the first cell unit. A third switching element coupled to the electrolytic cell and the four electrolytic cells in the second cell unit, and the three electrolytic cells in the first cell unit and the second cell unit. It comprises a fourth switching element coupled to the three electrolytic cells of.

Yet another feature is that the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation by activating the first switching element based on the first signal from the monitoring system. , The first signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the first predetermined temperature range.

As another feature, the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation by activating the first switching element based on the first signal from the monitoring system. The first signal indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the first predetermined current consumption.

Yet another feature is that the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a second mode of operation by activating a second switching element based on a second signal from the monitoring system. , The second signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the second predetermined temperature range, the second predetermined temperature range is lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

As another feature, the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second mode of operation by activating the second switching element based on the second signal from the monitoring system. The second signal indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the second predetermined current consumption, and the range of the second predetermined current consumption is the range of the first predetermined current consumption. Lower than range.

As a further feature, by operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second mode of operation, as a result, the electrolytic reactor system has more heat than operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation. To generate.

As another feature, the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a third mode of operation by activating a third switching element based on a third signal from the monitoring system. The third signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the third predetermined temperature range, and the third predetermined temperature range is lower than the second predetermined temperature range.

Yet another feature is that the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a third mode of operation by activating a third switching element based on a third signal from the monitoring system. , The third signal indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the third predetermined current consumption, and the range of the third predetermined current consumption is the second predetermined current consumption. Is lower than the range of.

As a further feature, by operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third mode of operation, the electrolytic reactor system eventually becomes the electrolytic reactor assembly in either the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation. Generates more heat than operating the reactor.

As another feature, the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a fourth mode of operation by activating a fourth switching element based on a fourth signal from the monitoring system. The fourth signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the third predetermined temperature range.

As a further feature, the control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a fourth mode of operation by activating a fourth switching element based on a fourth signal from the monitoring system. The signal 4 indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the third predetermined current consumption.

As yet another feature, by operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth mode of operation, the electrolytic reactor system results in a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation, or a third mode of operation. It produces more heat than operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in any of the modes.

As another feature, the monitoring system is further configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, and the control unit is at least one based on at least one or more operating conditions of the internal combustion engine. It is configured to control the switching element.

In another aspect, in at least one embodiment described herein, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores computer-executable instructions, the instructions telling the processor how to change the configuration of the electrolytic reactor. It is feasible to perform and the electrolytic reactor comprises an electrolytic reactor assembly comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, wherein the electrolytic reactor assembly performs an electrolysis on the electrolyte solution. It is configured to operate in at least two modes of operation. The method is a step of determining at least one attribute associated with an electrolytic reactor assembly by a monitoring system and a step of analyzing at least one attribute determined by the monitoring system by a control unit coupled to the monitoring system. And, the control unit determines the configuration of the electrolytic reactor using at least one attribute, the step of determining the mode of operation associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, and at least one switching element. Includes steps to change to the set operating mode.

As a feature of this embodiment, the instructions stored in the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein the first switching element is set to the first predetermined in the electrolytic reactor assembly. A step of binding the second switching element to a second predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic reactor assembly, which is a step of binding to the second predetermined number of electrolytic cells. Is a step in which the number of electrolytic cells is smaller than that of the first predetermined number of electrolytic cells, and a step of connecting the third switching element to the third predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic reactor assembly. The predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the above is less than the number of steps in the second predetermined number of electrolytic cells, and the fourth switching element is coupled to the fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic reactor assembly. In the steps, the fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells further comprises at least one of the steps, which is less than the third predetermined number of electrolytic cells.

As another feature, the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein the first signal from the monitoring system relates to the electrolytic reactor assembly. Identifying a first predetermined temperature range further comprises the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation by activating the first switching element.

As a further feature, the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein the first signal from the monitoring system is associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In identifying the current consumption in a predetermined range of 1, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation by activating the first switching element.

Yet another feature is that the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein the second signal from the monitoring system is associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In order to identify the second predetermined temperature range, the second predetermined temperature range is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second operation mode by operating the second switching element. Further includes steps below the first predetermined temperature range.

As a further feature, the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein the second signal from the monitoring system is associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In order to identify the predetermined current consumption range of 2, the second predetermined current consumption is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second operation mode by operating the second switching element. The range of further includes steps lower than the first predetermined current consumption range.

As another feature, the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second mode of operation results in the electrolytic reactor system having more steps than operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first mode of operation. Generates heat.

Yet another feature is that the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein a third signal from the monitoring system is associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In order to identify a third predetermined temperature range, the third predetermined temperature range is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third operation mode by operating the third switching element. Further includes steps below the second predetermined temperature range.

As a further feature, the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein a third signal from the monitoring system is associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In order to identify the predetermined current consumption range of 3, the third predetermined current consumption is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third operation mode by operating the third switching element. The range of further includes steps lower than the second predetermined current consumption range.

As another feature, the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third mode of operation results in the electrolytic reactor system being set up in either the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation. It generates more heat than the steps that move a solid.

Yet another feature is that the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein the fourth signal from the monitoring system is associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In order to identify a third predetermined temperature range, the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth mode of operation is further included by activating the fourth switching element.

As a further feature, the instructions stored on the computer readable medium can be executed to cause the processor to perform the method, wherein the fourth signal from the monitoring system is associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. In identifying the predetermined current consumption range of 3, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth mode of operation by activating the fourth switching element.

As another feature, the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth operating mode results in the electrolytic reactor system having a first operating mode, a second operating mode, or a third operating mode. Generates more heat than in any of the steps to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly.

Yet another feature is that the electrolytic reactor is coupled to an internal combustion engine, the electrolyte solution used in the electrolytic reactor is water, and what is stored in a computer-readable medium is executed to force the processor to perform the method. It is possible, the method is a step of detecting one or more operating conditions associated with an internal combustion engine, such that the internal combustion engine burns a mixture of carbon-based fuel, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas. A configuration step, a step in the control unit to determine if the internal combustion engine requires more hydrogen gas, and a second switching element, if the internal combustion engine requires more hydrogen gas. It further includes a third switching element and a step of activating at least one of the fourth switch elements.

Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the detailed description below, which will be understood with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are provided solely for illustration purposes, while showing preferred embodiments of the application. This is because the detailed description reveals to those skilled in the art various changes and amendments within the spirit and scope of the application.

As an example, at least one exemplary example is provided for a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein and to more clearly show how these various embodiments can be carried out. The accompanying drawings showing examples will be referred to. Here, the figure will be briefly described.

It is an image of a lap heater according to an exemplary embodiment. It is an image of a filament heater according to another exemplary embodiment. It is an image of an insulating wrap according to yet another exemplary embodiment. It is a block diagram of an example of a fuel management system. It is a block diagram of another example of a fuel management system. It is a block diagram of an example of an electrolytic reactor system. It is a block diagram of an example of a reactor system. FIG. 3B is a simplified configuration diagram of the reactor system of FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an example of the reactor system of FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of another example of the reactor system of FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the reactor system of FIG. 3B. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of the reactor system of FIG. 3B. It is a schematic perspective view of an example of a reactor cell and a tank system assembly. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the reactor cell and tank system assembly. It is an exemplary perspective view of a float switch in an untriggered state. Another exemplary perspective view of the float switch of FIG. 5C in the triggered state. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the reactor cell and tank system assembly. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the reactor cell and tank system assembly. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of yet another embodiment of the reactor cell and tank system assembly. FIG. 3 is a schematic top perspective view of the reactor and the container in the tank assembly according to some embodiments. It is a perspective view of an exemplary gas joint. It is a perspective view of an exemplary gas pipe. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary electrolytic reactor system. It is a figure of the example of the method of changing the configuration of a reactor system. It is a figure of another example of the method of changing the configuration of a reactor system. It is a figure of the method of changing the configuration of a reactor system by an example. It is a figure of another way to change the configuration of a reactor system by another example.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings described below are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings. In addition, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, it will be understood that the elements shown in the figure are not necessarily drawn in proportion to their actual size. For example, some dimensions of an element may be exaggerated compared to other elements for clarity. In addition, reference numbers may be repeated between figures to indicate matching or similar elements, where appropriate.

Various devices or processes will be described below in order to present examples of at least one embodiment of the subject matter described in the claims. The embodiments described below do not limit the subject matter described in any of the claims, and the subject matter described in any claim is different from the processes, devices, and mechanisms described below. Can include devices or systems. The subject matter described in the claims is any one device, device, system or process having all the features of any one device, device, system or process described below, or multiple or all described below. Not limited to features common to any device, device, system or process. The device, device, system or process described below may not be an embodiment of the subject matter described in any claim. Any subject disclosed in the device, device, system, or process described below that is not included in the claims in this document is the subject of another protective legal document, such as a continuation patent application. In some cases, the applicant, inventor, or owner has no intention of abandoning, abandoning, or dedicating any such subject matter by disclosure in this document.

Further, it will be appreciated that reference numbers may be repeated between drawings to indicate matching or similar elements, where appropriate for simplicity and clarity of the illustration. In addition, a number of specific details are given to provide a complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be performed without these particular details. Other examples do not detail well-known methods, procedures, and components so as not to obscure the exemplary embodiments described herein. In addition, this description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

It should also be noted that the term "combined" or "combined" as used herein can have several different meanings, depending on the context in which the term is used. For example, the term combining can have mechanical or electrical implications. For example, as used herein, the term "combined" or "combined" allows two elements or devices to be directly connected to each other, or eg, for example, depending on the individual context. Not limited to these, but may be connected to each other via one or more intermediate elements or devices via electrical elements, electrical signals, or mechanical elements such as wires or cables. Can be shown.

As used herein, terms such as "substantially," "almost," and "about" mean a reasonable amount of error in the terms that are modified so that the final result does not change significantly. Please note that Terms referring to these degrees should be construed to include errors in the modified term if this error does not deny the meaning of the term modifying.

In addition, any numerical range enumeration using endpoints herein includes all numbers and decimals contained within that range (eg, 1 to 5 are 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75). , 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also assumed that all numbers and their decimals are modified using the term "almost" to mean variability up to a certain amount of referenced numbers if the final result does not change significantly. I want you to understand.

Various embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods described herein can be performed using a combination of hardware and software. These examples can be implemented partially using computer programs running on programmable devices, where each programmable device has at least one processor, operating system, one or more data stores. A unit (including a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or other data storage element, or a combination thereof), at least one communication interface, and necessary to carry out the functions of at least one embodiment described herein. Also includes any other related hardware and software. For example, but not limited to, computer processing devices include servers, network devices, embedded devices, computer expansion modules, personal computers, laptops, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, smartphone devices, tablets, etc. It can be a computer, a wireless device, or any other computer processing device that can be configured to perform the methods described herein. Individual embodiments will vary depending on the application of the computer processing device.

In some embodiments, the communication interface may be a network communication interface, a USB connection, or another suitable connection known to those of skill in the art. In another embodiment, the communication interface may be a software communication interface, such as one for interprocess communication (IPC). In yet another embodiment, there may be a combination of hardware, software, and communication interfaces implemented as a combination thereof.

In at least some of the embodiments described herein, the program code is used for input data and can perform at least some of the functions described herein to produce output information. The output information can be supplied to one or more output devices for display or further processing.

At least some of the examples described herein using programs can be implemented in advanced procedural and / or object-oriented programming and / or scripting languages, or both. Thus, the program code can be written in C, Java, SQL, or any other suitable programming language and may include modules or classes, as is known to experts in object-oriented programming. However, other programs can be implemented in assembly, machine language, or firmware as needed. In either case, the language can be a compiled or interpreter-translated language.

The computer program can be stored on a storage medium (eg, a computer-readable medium such as, but not limited to, a ROM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.) or a device readable by a general-purpose or dedicated computer processing device. The program code, when read by the computer processing device, sets the computer processing device to operate in a new, specific, predefined way to perform at least one of the methods described herein. do.

In addition, some of the programs related to the systems, processes, and methods of the embodiments described herein include computer-readable media with computer-enabled instructions for one or more processors, computer program products. Can be distributed in the form of. The medium may be provided in a variety of forms, including but not limited to, non-temporary forms such as, but not limited to, one or more discets, compact discs, tapes, chips, and magnetic and electronic storage devices. In alternative embodiments, the medium may be, but is not limited to, a wired transmission, a satellite transmission, an internet transmission (eg, download), a medium, a digital and analog signal, and the like, in essence, temporary. Computer-enabled instructions can also be in various forms, including compiled and uncompiled code.

Electrolytic reactor systems that supply hydrogen and oxygen gases to internal combustion engines generally require an optimum temperature range for effective operation. Electrolytic reactor systems operating at ambient temperatures below the optimum temperature range, i.e. in colder weather, may require an external heat source to initiate the electrolysis process.

Examples of conventional external heat sources used in electrolytic reactor systems are shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. FIG. 1A is an image of a wrap heater 100 that can be wrapped around a knockout tank that supplies an electrolyte solution to an electrolytic reactor. FIG. 1B is an image of a filament heater 110 that can be suspended inside a knockout tank. FIG. 1C is an image of an insulating wrap 120 that can also be wrapped around a knockout tank to store heat.

However, the use of external heat sources poses some challenges. Specifically, the electrode and electrolyte solution are placed directly on or inside the knockout tank, which is usually removed from the electrolytic cell or electrode performing the electrolysis process, so that the electrode and electrolyte solution are directly from the external heat source. Does not receive heat. Therefore, it takes a long time for the electrodes and the electrolytic solution to warm up to a functional operating state. Furthermore, the heat generated by the external heat source often escapes to the surroundings and is not directly transferred to the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic reactor.

The external heat source also needs to be additionally powered to generate heat, in addition to the power required for the electrolytic reactor. For example, the lap heater 100 of FIG. 1A and the filament heater 110 of FIG. 1B may require a 12V source with a power rating of 40W to generate heat. Installing an external heat source and connecting the heat source to a power source can also be a time-consuming and costly process.

Finally, potential safety issues can result from the use of external heat sources with electrolytic reactors. For example, a wrap-around heater such as the wrap heater 100 of FIG. 1A can cause the knockout tank to melt and the highly corrosive electrolyte solution to leak. The filament heater 110 of FIG. 1B is also prone to ignite hydrogen gas, which can occur as a by-product of electrolysis, inside the knockout tank.

The various embodiments discussed herein provide improved electrolytic reactor systems and methods that can operate efficiently without the need for an external heat source. Specifically, the improved electrolytic reactor disclosed herein is configured to operate at low temperatures, i.e., below the optimum temperature range of the electrolytic reactor, by modifying the configuration of the electrolytic reactor. Will be done. As discussed in detail below, in some embodiments, the modified electrolytic reactor is configured to reduce the number of working electrolytic cells or working electrodes involved in the process of electrolysis. By reducing the number of working cells in the electrolytic reactor, the same input voltage is split between the smaller cells, resulting in an increase in current per cell, which in turn increases the amount of gas produced by electrolysis. The increase in gas production then warms the reactor to the optimum temperature range of the reactor. As a result, the electrolytic reactor system provided herein can be warmed up to a functional operating state immediately after operation.

A brief reference is made to both FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of which illustrates exemplary applications of the reactor system disclosed herein. FIG. 2A specifically shows a configuration diagram of a fuel management system 200A according to an example. FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the fuel management system 200B according to another embodiment.

The fuel management system 200A of FIG. 2A and the fuel management system 200B of FIG. 2B show a reactor system 313 used to improve the fuel economy of an internal combustion engine (ICE) 208. Specifically, the reactor system 313 is configured to perform an electrolysis process that supplies hydrogen (H ₂ ) gas and oxygen (O ₂ ) gas to the intake flow of the internal combustion engine 208.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the configuration of the reactor system 313 and its corresponding operation are modified based on specific attributes associated with the reactor system 313. Some non-limiting examples of such attributes include the ambient temperature associated with the reactor system 313, the current consumption associated with the reactor system 313, the amount of gas generated within the reactor system 313, and the reactor system. The amount of heat generated inside, etc. may be included. This will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4D in particular.

In the various embodiments discussed below, the configuration of the reactor system 313 is modified by increasing or decreasing the number of working electrolytic cells in the reactor system 313. As discussed in detail below, the amount of gas produced and the amount of heat generated can be controlled by manipulating the number of working electrolytic cells in the lecta system 313.

See FIG. 3A showing the electrolytic reactor platform 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. The electrolytic reactor platform 300 includes a solution pump 390, a reactor system 313, and a control system 301.

The solution pump 390 is configured to supply an electrolyte solution to the reactor system 313 for electrolysis. In some cases, the solution pump 390 is coupled to a source of pure water or substantially pure water (eg, distilled water).

The reactor system 313 comprises a reactor cell assembly 310. The reactor cell assembly 310 comprises a large number of interconnected electrolytic cells configured to perform the process of electrolysis. The reactor cell assembly 310 receives the electrolyte solution from the tank system 312 that is fluid connected to the solution pump 390.

When the electrolyte solution is water, the reactor cell assembly 310 is configured to accept a combination of water and potassium hydroxide (KOH). In some other cases where the electrolyte solution is water, the reactor cell assembly 310 is configured to receive water and KOH separately and then combine water and KOH after receiving. When receiving water and KOH separately, the reactor cell assembly 310 is coupled to a source of KOH.

KOH is commonly used for electrolysis of water because it imparts free ions to the water to increase its conductivity and thus facilitates the process of electrolysis. In some cases, the solution inside the reactor cell assembly 310 contains a mixture of 55% water and 45% KOH. In such cases, the reactor system 313 may need to operate at a temperature below 65 degrees Celsius to ensure that corrosive KOH vapor is not generated and thus does not exit the reactor system 313. This is especially important when the reactor system 313 is used in combination with the ICE. This is because otherwise the ICE can be corroded by KOH vapor. The reactor system 313 may also need to operate at temperatures above minus 28 degrees Celsius. Specifically, KOH reaches the freezing point of KOH at temperatures below -28 degrees Celsius, which can render the reactor system 313 inoperable.

While performing the electrolysis process, the reactor cell assembly 310 produces gaseous by-products corresponding to the electrolyte solution. When the electrolyte solution is water, the reactor cell assembly 310 is configured to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases as by-products of electrolysis. By-products are then returned into the tank system 312 and sent to the appropriate system based on the application of the reactor system 313. When the reactor system 313 is used with an internal combustion engine in an application to improve engine fuel economy, the gaseous by-products of the reactor system are sent to the ICE. This application of the reactor system 313 is discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the control system 301 is coupled to the monitoring system 350, as described in more detail below. The monitoring system 350 may comprise one or more units, devices, and / or systems capable of monitoring one or more parameters associated with one or more components of the electrolytic reactor platform 300. For example, the monitoring system 350 may include one or more sensors capable of monitoring the temperature associated with the reactor system 313. In some other cases, the monitoring system 350 may include one or more sensors capable of monitoring the pressure associated with the reactor system 313. In another embodiment, the monitoring system 350 may include one or more sensors capable of measuring the current consumption of the reactor system 313.

In one embodiment, the monitoring system 350 comprises a temperature sensor 355 configured to monitor the ambient temperature of the reactor system 313. Although the temperature sensor 355 is shown to be located away from the reactor system 313, the temperature sensor 355 is located anywhere related to the reactor system 313 so that the ambient temperature of the reactor system 313 can be measured. obtain. For example, in some cases, the temperature sensor 355 is located inside the reactor system 313. In some other cases, the temperature sensor 355 is located inside the reactor cell assembly 310. In some additional cases, the temperature sensor 355 is located adjacent to the tank system 312. As will be appreciated, the various locations of the temperature sensor 355 disclosed herein are intended to be non-limiting examples only.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 355 is configured to transmit temperature measurements to the control system 301 through the temperature signal 316a. The control system 301 uses the information contained in the temperature signal 316a to make a determination regarding the operation of the reactor system 313. For example, the control system 301 can determine from the temperature signal 316a that the reactor system 313 is operating at a temperature lower than the ideal operating temperature range. Accordingly, the control system 301 transmits a control signal 318 instructing the reactor system 313 to change the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 for the purpose of heating the reactor system 313 to within the ideal operating temperature range. can.

In another embodiment, the monitoring system 350 may include a current sensor 370 configured to monitor the current consumption of the reactor system 313. For example, the current sensor 370 may include an ammeter or other suitable current sensing device. Similar to the temperature sensor 355, the current sensor 370 is configured to transmit current measurements to the control system 301 through the current signal 370a. The control system 301 uses the information contained in the current signal 370a to make a determination regarding the operation of the reactor system 313.

In at least some embodiments, the information contained in the current signal 370a is used by the control system 301 to determine the velocity of the gas produced by the reactor system 313. For example, a high current consumption by the reactor system 313 may correlate with a faster gas production rate, while a low current consumption by the reactor system 313 may correlate with a slower gas production rate. When the electrolyte solution is water, the current consumption can correlate with the gas generation rate by determining the energy (eg, current) required to separate the water molecules into the by-products of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. ..

In at least some exemplary cases, the control system 301 is consuming a large amount of current from the current signal 370a by the reactor system 313, thus producing gas at a rate above the ideal gas production rate. It can be determined that it is. In this case, the control system 301 instructs the reactor system 313 to change the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 in order to reduce both the current consumption of the reactor system 313 and the gas generation rate of the reactor system 313. , The control signal 318 can be transmitted.

In another embodiment, the information contained in the current signal 370a may also be used by the control system 301 to determine the relative operating temperature of the reactor system 313. For example, at higher (eg, warmer) operating temperatures, the rate of gas production of the reactor system 313 increases (ie, the electrolysis process is catalyzed at a higher temperature), and thus the reactor system 313. It consumes more current to accommodate faster gas production rates. Conversely, at lower (eg, colder) operating temperatures, the rate of gas production of the reactor system 313 slows down (ie, the electrolysis process is adversely affected at lower temperatures), and thus the reactor system 313. , Consume less current, depending on the slower gas production rate. In this way, the current consumption of the reactor system 313 can correlate with the operating temperature of the reactor system 313.

To illustrate the relationship between current consumption and operating temperature of the reactor system 313, Table 1 below presents exemplary temperature and corresponding current consumption measurements for the six monitored reactors. ing. In Table 1, the voltage across the first three reactors (reactors 1 to 3) and the voltage across the last three reactors (reactors 4 to 6) are maintained at constant levels, respectively. Has been done. As observed, the temperature rise for each of the six reactors resulted in higher current consumption by each of the reactors.

Therefore, in at least some exemplary cases, the control system 301 is at a temperature below the ideal temperature range because the reactor system 313 consumes only a small amount of current from the current signal 370a. It can be determined that it is operating within the range. As a result, the control system 301 comprises the reactor cell assembly 310 for the purpose of increasing the gas production rate of the reactor system 313 and thus increasing the current consumption to increase the operating temperature of the reactor system 313. A control signal 318 can be transmitted instructing the reactor system 313 to change.

In some cases, the current sensor 370 may provide more reliable information than the temperature sensor 355. For example, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 355 may deviate due to factors such as the location of the temperature sensor 355 and the thermal conductivity associated with the reactor cell assembly 310.

In some other cases, it may not be feasible to insert the temperature sensor 355 into the reactor system 313 (eg, if the system is operating under high pressure). In such cases, the current sensor 370 may provide a more direct and reliable reading of the operating temperature of the reactor system 313 than the information presented by the temperature sensor 355.

In an application where the reactor cell 313 supplies hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to the internal combustion engine, the operating conditions of the engine may be notified to the control system 301 through the engine data signal 314 (eg, FIG. 2B). The control system 301 can use the information contained in the engine data signal 314 to make a determination regarding the operation of the reactor system 313. For example, the control system 301 can determine from the engine data signal 314 that the internal combustion engine requires more or less inflow of hydrogen and oxygen gases. Accordingly, the control system 301 instructs the reactor system 313 to change the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 for the purpose of increasing or decreasing the production rate of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to the ICE, the control signal 318. Can be sent.

In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring system 350 may also include one or more level sensors 360 configured to measure the level of the electrolyte solution inside the reactor cell assembly 310. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring system 350 is configured to determine if the levels of electrolyte solution and potassium hydroxide (KOH) inside the tank system 312 exceed a predetermined height. A plurality of overflow sensors 365 may be provided. In some cases, the level sensor 360 and / or the overflow sensor 365 can be coupled to the tank system 312. For example, the level sensor 360 and / or the overflow sensor 365 may be provided within the tank system 312. In some other cases, the level sensor 360 and / or the overflow sensor 365 may be placed directly within the reactor cell assembly 310.

The level sensor 360 is located inside the tank system 312, in some cases the sensor 360 is configured to send the sensor signal 312a to the control system 301, where the sensor signal 312a is the reactor cell. Identify the amount of solution in the assembly 310. In other cases, the level sensor 360 is located outside the tank system 312, the sensor 360 is configured to send the sensor signal 312a'to the control system 301, and the sensor signal 312a' is also a reactor. The amount of solution in the cell assembly 310 can be identified. The control system 301 can receive and process the sensor signal, and if it is determined that the solution level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control system 301 sends a control signal 319 to the solution pump 390 to the solution pump, the tank system 312. You can instruct to stop supplying the electrolyte solution to.

Similarly, if the overflow sensor 365 is located inside the tank system 312, the sensor sends a sensor signal 312b to the control system 301 and the levels of electrolyte solution and KOH in the tank system 312 are at a given high level. It is configured to identify whether or not it exceeds. If the overflow sensor 365 is located outside the tank system 312, the sensor also sends a sensor signal 312b'to identify if the solution level in the tank system 312 exceeds a predetermined height. It is configured as follows.

In an embodiment in which the overflow sensor 365 is utilized, the control system 301 may be configured to transmit a control signal 382a to a pump 380 coupled to the tank system 312. The control signal 382a instructs the pump 380 to pump the solution and KOH out of the tank system 312 and back into the reactor cell assembly 310. The solution and KOH can then be reused inside the reactor cell assembly 310 for electrolysis.

The reactor system 313 may also include an electronic control module (“ECU: electronic control module”) 305 coupled to the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309. The reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 are further connected to the electrolytic cell of the reactor cell assembly 310. The ECU 305 may include, for example, a circuit board. In various embodiments disclosed herein, the ECU 305 is configured to control the operation of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309, further comprising the configuration of the corresponding reactor cell assembly 310. Control. Although the ECU 305 is shown herein as a stand-alone unit, the ECU 305 may be housed within the control system 301 as an alternative.

Reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 can be electrical switches that can be switched between active and non-active states. The operating states of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 may be determined by the control system 301.

In some embodiments, the control system 301 can determine which reactor relay to activate based on the information contained in the temperature signal 316a, the current signal 370a, or the engine data signal 314. The control system 301 can then transmit a control signal 318 instructing the ECU 305 to activate the associated reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309. Specifically, the ECU 305 can activate the associated reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 by transmitting the actuation signals 305a, 305b, 305c, or 305d to the associated reactor relays, respectively. .. In the various embodiments described herein, activating each of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 results in a change in the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310.

In at least one embodiment disclosed herein, each of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 is a 12 VDC, 4-pin, single pole, single throw relay. In some other embodiments, each reactor relay 304, 306, 308, and 309 is a 5-pin relay. In various embodiments, the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 are actuated by feeding the electromagnetic coils of the corresponding relays.

The reactor system 313 further comprises a power source 303 with positive voltage terminals connected to the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309. The power source 303 supplies continuous positive voltage signals 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d to the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309, respectively. When the reactor relay is actuated by the ECU 305 with a suitable actuation signal, a positive voltage is supplied across the electrolytic cell connected to the reactor relay, thereby actuating the electrolytic cell. Depending on which reactor relay and therefore which electrolytic cell is activated, the cell assembly 310 operates in a unique cell configuration.

The power source 303 can be, for example, a 12 volt direct current (DC) voltage source or a 13.8 volt DC supply source. In other cases, the power source 303 may be an alternating current (AC) voltage source. If the power source 303 is an AC voltage source, a step-up or step-down AC-DC power converter can be coupled to the power source to produce a 12 volt DC output or a 13.8 volt DC output.

In at least some embodiments, the power source 303 may be a power supply circuit provided within the ECU 305. In some embodiments, the power source 303 may be separated from the ECU 305. However, in such an embodiment, the power source 303 can be electrically coupled to the ECU 305. For example, as shown in the figure, the power source 303 is configured to receive a control signal 303a from the ECU 305, where the control signal 303a is used to selectively operate or put the power source 303 into a stopped state. It controls the operation of the power source 303.

The reactor control board (RCB) 302 that can be accommodated in the ECU 305 is coupled to the negative voltage terminal 303b of the power source 303. The RCB 302 is configured to supply the reactor cell assembly 310 with a negative voltage 302'from the power source 303. The RCB 302 is also configured to control the current in the reactor cell assembly 310 by supplying a negative voltage to the assembly 310.

In various embodiments, the RCB 302 is configured to turn the reactor cell assembly 310 on and off based on the defined current limit of the assembly 310. For example, if the reactor cell assembly 310 is set to an operating current of 10 A (amps), but 20 A is supplied, the RCB 302 will operate to keep the reactor cell assembly 310 on for 1 second. Turn it off the next second. As a result, the reactor cell assembly 310 averages 10 A over 2 seconds, and the average current consumption of the reactor cell assembly 310 is within a defined limit. In various cases, the RCB 302 is composed of a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET: metal-oxide-semiconductor ductor field-effect transistor).

The RCB 302 is shown in FIG. 3A as being housed within the ECU 305, but in other cases the RCB 302 may be a separate unit from the ECU 305.

Now refer to FIG. 3B, which details the reactor system 313 of FIG. 3A. The reactor system 313 of FIG. 3B includes an ECU 305, RCB 302, a power source 303, reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309, and a reactor cell assembly 310.

The reactor cell assembly 310 houses an array of electrolytic cells 310a-310l. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement of the electrolytic cells is as follows: first electrolytic cell 310a, second electrolytic cell 310b, third electrolytic cell 310c, fourth electrolytic cell 310d, fifth electrolytic cell. 310e, 6th electrolytic cell 310f, 7th electrolytic cell 310g, 8th electrolytic cell 310h, 9th electrolytic cell 310i, 10th electrolytic cell 310j, 11th electrolytic cell 310k, and 12th electrolytic cell. It stores 310 liters. Each electrolytic cell can be formed by a parallel arrangement of two laterally spaced electrode plates. Although the reactor cell assembly 310 is illustrated with 12 electrolytic cells, the reactor cell assembly 310 may otherwise include various numbers of electrolytic cells.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electrolytic cells 310a to 310l of the reactor cell assembly 310 are divided between the first cell unit 311a and the second cell unit 311b arranged in parallel with each other. .. Each of the first cell unit 311a and the second cell unit 311b houses six stacked in series electrolytic cells. In some other embodiments, different arrangements of electrolytic cells 310a-310l may be made.

The first and second cell units 311a and 311b share a common negative voltage applied by the RCB 302 through the negative voltage signal 302'. For example, the RCB 302 may be connected to a central electrode plate inserted between the cells 310f and 310g of the first and second cell units 311a and 311b, respectively.

As described above, the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 are connected not only to the ECU 305 but also to the positive terminals of the power source 303. During operation, the first reactor relay 304 supplies a positive voltage to the outermost electrode plates of the electrolytic cells 310a and 310l. Similarly, during the operation of the second reactor relay 306, the second reactor relay is configured to supply a positive voltage to the electrode plate outside the cell 310b and the electrode plate outside the cell 310k. .. The third reactor relay 308 similarly supplies a positive voltage to the electrode plate outside the cell 310c and the electrode plate outside the cell 310j during operation. The fourth reactor relay 309 operates to supply a positive voltage to the electrode plate outside the cell 310d and the electrode plate outside the cell 310i. Here, the various cells to which the relay is connected are presented merely as examples. In some other embodiments, the relay may be connected to various combinations of cells within the reactor cell assembly 310.

In the various embodiments presented herein, the ECU 305 is configured to activate only one of the four reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 at any given timing. If the reactor relay is already activated and it is desirable to activate another reactor relay, the ECU 305 is configured to first shut down the operating relay before activating the desired relay. Will be done. In various cases, the ECU 305 may be instructed by the control system 301 to trigger a particular reactor relay to activate or stop. For example, the control system 301 can use the information from the temperature signal 316a to determine the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the reactor system 313 and determine what configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 is suitable for this situation. .. The control system 301 can then instruct the ECU 305 to activate a particular reactor relay in order to change the configuration of the reactor assembly 310 to a suitable configuration.

In some other cases, the control system 301 can trigger the ECU 305 to change the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 based on the current consumption of the reactor system 313. For example, the control system 301 can determine the temperature and / or gas generation rate of the reactor system 313 based on the detected current consumption. In such cases, the control system 301 can determine a suitable configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 that increases or decreases current consumption in order to change the gas production rate and / or the temperature of the reactor system. The control system 301 can then instruct the ECU 305 to activate a suitable reactor relay.

In at least some cases, the reactor system 313 may also be equipped with an electrical fuse that allows electrical protection when the system switches between different relays.

In order to activate the first reactor relay 304, the ECU 305 transmits a first actuation relay signal 305a to the first reactor relay 304. When activated, the first reactor relay 304 can supply a positive voltage between both ends of the electrode plates of cells 310a and 310l. The positive voltage creates a potential difference between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310a and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310f (which receives the negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Similarly, a potential difference occurs between the outermost electrode plate of the cell 310l and the innermost electrode plate of the cell 310g (which receives the negative voltage signal 302'from the RCB 302). In this way, the first reactor relay 304 operates all 12 electrolytic cells 310a to 310l of the reactor cell assembly 310.

In order to activate the second reactor relay 306, the ECU 305 transmits a second actuation relay signal 305b to the second reactor relay 306. When activated, the second reactor relay 306 can supply a positive voltage between both ends of the electrode plates of cells 310b and 310k. The positive voltage creates a potential difference between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310b and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310f (which receives the negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Similarly, a potential difference arises between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310k and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310g (which receives a negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Therefore, the second reactor relay 308 operates the ten electrolytic cells 310b-310k of the reactor cell assembly 310. The two outermost electrolytic cells 310a and 310l of the reactor cell assembly 310 do not receive any voltage or current and therefore remain inactive.

To activate the third reactor relay 308, the ECU 305 transmits a third actuating reactor signal 305c to the third reactor relay 308. When activated, the third reactor relay 308 supplies a positive voltage between both ends of the electrode plates of cells 310c and 310j. The positive voltage creates a potential difference between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310c and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310f (which receives the negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Similarly, a potential difference arises between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310j and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310g (which receives a negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Therefore, the third reactor relay 308 operates only the eight electrolytic cells 310c-310j of the reactor cell assembly 310. The four outermost electrolytic cells 310a, 310b, 310k, and 310l of the reactor cell assembly 310 remain inactive because they do not receive voltage or current.

In order to activate the fourth reactor relay 309, the ECU 305 transmits a fourth actuation relay signal 305d to the fourth reactor relay 309. When activated, the fourth reactor relay 309 can supply a positive voltage across the electrode plates of cells 310d and 310i. The positive voltage creates a potential difference between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310d and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310f (which receives the negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Similarly, a potential difference arises between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310i and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310g (which receives a negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Therefore, the fourth reactor relay 309 operates the six electrolytic cells 310d-310i of the reactor cell assembly 310. The six outermost electrolytic cells 310a, 310b, 310c, 310j, 310k, and 310l of the reactor cell assembly 310 remain inactive as they do not receive any voltage or current.

Although four separate reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some cases the reactor relays may be integrated within a single reactor relay unit. A single reactor relay unit is configured to be switchable between at least four modes of operation that functionally correspond to the first, second, third, and fourth reactor relays. obtain. Further, although four reactor relays are shown, in the reactor system 313, more or less reactors to connect the power system 303 to various electrolytic cells in the reactor cell assembly 310. A relay unit can be used.

Here, FIG. 3C, which shows a simplified configuration diagram of the reactor system 313 of FIG. 3B, is briefly referred to. Similar to the reactor system 313 of FIG. 3B, the reactor system 313 includes an ECU 305, an RCB 302, a power source 303, a reactor relay system 350, and a reactor cell assembly 310.

The reactor relay system 350 may include one or more of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309. For example, in some cases, the reactor relay system 350 may include all of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309. In other cases, the reactor relay system 350 may include only a portion of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309. For example, the reactor relay system 350 may include only one of the reactor relays, two of the reactor relays, or three of the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309. can. Thus, the reactor relay system 350 can include any combination of reactor relays that activates any combination of cell configurations. In some cases, the reactor relay system 350 may also include multiple reactor relays to operate the same cell configuration. This has the advantage of providing a spare reactor relay in case one or more reactor relays malfunction. In yet other cases, the reactor relay system 350 may include a single reactor relay configured to switch between one or more modes of operation. For example, a single reactor relay can perform one or more functions of the first, second, third, and / or fourth reactor relays.

The reactor relay system 350 can also include reactor relays not shown in the exemplary examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, the reactor relay system 350 may include a reactor relay for operating only four cells of the reactor cell assembly 310. For example, a reactor relay may be provided that applies a positive voltage between both ends of the electrode plates of cells 310e and 310h. Therefore, the positive voltage can generate a potential difference between the outermost electrode plate of the cell 310e and the innermost electrode plate of the cell 310f (which receives the negative voltage signal 302'from the RCB 302). Similarly, a potential difference can occur between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310h and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310g (which receives a negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Similarly, the reactor relay system 350 may also include a reactor relay for operating only two cells of the reactor cell assembly 310. For example, the reactor relay can supply a positive voltage between both ends of the electrode plates of cells 310f and 310g. The positive voltage creates a potential difference between the outermost electrode plate of cell 310f and the innermost electrode plate of cell 310f (which receives a negative voltage signal 302'from RCB 302). Similarly, a potential difference occurs between the outermost electrode plate of the cell 310 g and the innermost electrode plate of the cell 310 g (which receives the negative voltage signal 302'from the RCB 302).

Here, FIG. 4A, which shows a schematic diagram of the first configuration 400A of the reactor system according to an embodiment, is briefly referred to. Configuration 400A shows the connection between the ECU 305, RCB 302, power source 303, first reactor relay 304, and reactor cell assembly 310.

As shown, the first reactor relay 304 is connected to the conductive hooks 402 and 404 by conductive wires. The hooks 402 and 404 are aligned and connected to the outermost electrode plates of cells 310a and 310l of the reactor assembly 310, respectively. The RCB 302 applies a negative voltage signal 302'to the reactor cell assembly 310 through a separate wire. A separate wire is connected to a centrally located third conductive hook 406 between cells 310f and 310g.

In at least some embodiments, the first reactor relay 304 is actuated by the actuation signal 305a produced by the ECU 305. When activated, the first reactor relay 304 transfers the voltage of 12V or 13.8V received from the power source 303 via the positive voltage signal 301a to the electrolytic cells 310a and 310f of the reactor cell assembly 310. It is applied between both ends of the electrolytic cell 310l and between both ends of the electrolytic cell 310l and 310g. Therefore, a potential of 2V or 2.3V is generated between both ends of the 12 electrolytic cells 310a to 310l.

In some cases, the first reactor relay 304 is activated if the temperature signal 316a records that the ambient temperature around the reactor system 313 is within the ideal operating temperature range. In a non-limiting example, the ideal operating temperature range can be from about 20 to 70 degrees Celsius.

In other cases, if the current signal 370a indicates that the reactor system 313 is consuming an ideal level of current, the first reactor relay 304 is activated. If the reactor system 313 is consuming an ideal level of current, this is ideal behavior if the reactor system 313 is producing gas at an ideal rate and / or otherwise. It can indicate that it is operating within the temperature range. As a non-limiting example, the ideal level of current consumption can be about 20 A, which is the ideal gas production rate of the reactor system 313, which is about 1.5 L of gas per minute, and 20 degrees Celsius. It may indicate an ideal operating temperature range between 1 and 70 degrees Celsius.

Next, FIG. 4B, which shows a schematic diagram of the second configuration 400B of the reactor system 313 according to another embodiment, is briefly referred to. Configuration 400B shows the connections between the ECU 305, RCB 302, power source 303, second reactor 306, and reactor cell assembly 310.

As shown, the second reactor relay 306 may be connected to the conductive hooks 408 and 410 by conductive wires. The hooks 408 and 410 are aligned and connected to the outer electrode plates of the cells 310b and 310k.

In at least some embodiments, the second reactor relay 306 is actuated by the actuation signal 305b produced by the ECU 305. When activated, the second reactor relay 306 transfers the voltage of 12V or 13.8V received from the power source 303 via the positive voltage signal 301b to the electrolytic cells 310b and 310f of the reactor cell assembly 310. It is applied between both ends of the electrolytic cell 310k and between both ends of the electrolytic cell 310k and 310g. Therefore, a potential of 2.4V or 2.76V is generated between both ends of each of the 10 operated electrolytic cells 310b-310k. The voltage across each actuating cell in this configuration (ie, when the second reactor relay 306 is actuated) is increased by 20% as compared to the embodiment in which the first reactor relay 304 is actuated. do. In various cases, when the voltage across each cell is increased by 20%, the rate of gas production (ie, by-products of electrolysis, gas products) from the entire lecta cell assembly 310 is approximately 200. % Faster. The increase in gas production can also provide the advantage of heating the reactor cell assembly 310.

In some cases, the second reactor relay 306 is activated if the temperature signal 316a records that the ambient temperature around the reactor system 313 is below the ideal operating temperature range. For example, the second reactor relay 306 may be activated if the operating temperature is in the range of about 0 to 50 degrees Celsius. In such cases, the reactor system 313 may require some initial heating to carry out the electrolytic process.

In other cases, if the current signal 370a indicates that the reactor system 313 consumes less than the ideal level, the second reactor relay 306 is activated. If the reactor system 313 consumes less current than the ideal level, this is because the reactor system 313 is generating gas at less than the ideal rate and / or below the ideal operating temperature range. Can be shown to be working with. As a non-limiting example, the second reactor relay 306 can be activated when the current consumption of the reactor system 313 is measured in the range between 6A and 10A. Thus, this is because the reactor system 313 is producing gas at half the expected rate (eg, about 0.75 liters of gas per minute), otherwise it is in the ideal temperature range (eg, for example). It may indicate that it may be operating at temperatures lower than 0-50 degrees Celsius).

According to some embodiments, in order to heat the reactor system 313 or increase the current consumption level, the control system 301 or ECU 305 sends an actuation signal 305b to a second reactor relay 306. Can be activated. If the first reactor relay 304 is already operating, the control system 301 or ECU 305 may first shut down the first reactor relay 304 and then activate the second reactor relay 306. Thus, at any given stage, only one reactor relay is operating.

Activating the second reactor relay 306 modifies the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 so that only 10 electrolytic cells are activated. In this mode of operation, each working cell receives an increased voltage (2.4V or 2.76V), resulting in an increase in total gas production compared to the 12 working cell configurations. Increasing the amount of gas produced can help rapidly warm the reactor system 313 to the ideal operating temperature range of the reactor system.

When the reactor system 313 reaches the ideal operating temperature and / or current consumption level, the control system 301 or ECU 305 returns the reactor cell assembly 310 to the default operating mode of the reactor cell assembly. In addition, the second reactor relay 306 can be stopped and the first reactor relay 304 can be operated again.

As discussed in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B, in an application where the reactor cell assembly 310 supplies hydrogen and oxygen gases to the internal combustion engine to increase fuel efficiency, the control system 301 also has an ECU 305. Can be instructed to operate the second reactor relay 306 to increase the rate of electrolysis and thereby increase the amount of by-product gas (hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, etc.) produced.

For example, the control system 301 can receive information from the internal combustion engine or the corresponding electronic control module through the engine data signal 314 that the amount of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas needs to be increased. In this case, the control system 301 causes the ECU 305 to stop the first reactor relay 304 in order to change the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 from 12 operating cells to 10 operating cells. The second reactor relay 306 can be instructed to operate. The change to 10 working cells can result in a double increase in gas production compared to a 12 working cell configuration (eg, 1.5 liters / minute to 3.0 liters). / Increased to minutes).

Here, reference is made to FIG. 4C, which shows a schematic of a third configuration 400C of the electrolytic reactor system according to another embodiment. Configuration 400C shows the connections between the ECU 305, RCB 302, power source 303, third reactor 308, and reactor cell assembly 310.

As shown, the third reactor relay 308 can be connected to the conductive hooks 412 and 414. The hooks 412 and 414 are aligned and connected to the outer electrode plates of the cells 310c and 310j. The connection between the third reactor relay 308 and the conductive hooks 412 and 415 can be wire connections.

In at least some embodiments, the third reactor relay 308 is actuated by the actuation signal 305c produced by the ECU 305. When activated, the third reactor relay 308 transfers the voltage of 12V or 13.8V received from the power source 303 via the positive voltage signal 301c to the electrolytic cells 310c and 310f of the reactor cell assembly 310. It is applied between both ends of the electrolytic cell 310j and between both ends of the electrolytic cell 310j and 310g. Therefore, a potential of 3V or 3.45V is generated between both ends of each of the eight activated electrolytic cells 310c-310j. The voltage across each actuating cell in this configuration (ie, when the third reactor relay 308 is actuated) is increased by 50% as compared to the embodiment in which the first reactor relay 304 is actuated. do. In various cases, a 50% increase in voltage across each cell increases the rate of gas production of by-products by approximately 400% across the lecta cell assembly 310. The increase in gas production can also provide the advantage of heating the reactor cell assembly 310.

In some cases, the third reactor relay 308 operates when it is determined that the ambient temperature around the reactor system 313 is within the low operating temperature range. Non-limiting examples of low temperatures can be in the range of about 0 to -28 degrees Celsius.

In other cases, the third reactor relay 308 operates when it is determined that the current consumption of the reactor system 313 is within a very low current consumption range. Non-limiting examples of very low current consumption can be in the range between 0A and 5A. This may be due to the decrease in ambient temperature associated with the reactor system 313.

Current consumption within this range can result in gas generation at very low production rates. Under such conditions, the current consumption of the 12 or 10 actuated cell configuration provides sufficient heat to generate the desired gas production and / or to perform electrolysis within the reactor system 313. It may not be enough to generate it. Therefore, the control system 301 or the ECU 305 may, in some cases, activate the third reactor relay 308 to bring the first or second reactor relay into a stopped state. In this way, the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 is changed from a 12 or 10 working cell configuration to an 8 working cell configuration. The faster gas production rate due to the eight cell configuration can help to quickly warm the reactor system 313 to the ideal operating temperature range of the reactor system.

When the reactor system 313 reaches the ideal operating temperature range and / or current consumption level of the reactor system, the control system 301 or ECU 305 may in turn shut down the third reactor relay 308. , Either the first or the second reactor relay can be activated again.

In an application where the reactor cell assembly 310 supplies hydrogen and oxygen gas to the internal combustion engine, the control system 301 states that the internal combustion engine requires a larger or faster influx of hydrogen and oxygen gas. The third reactor relay 308 can also be activated when information from the engine data signal 314 is received. In such cases, the third reactor relay 308 can be activated if the cell configuration created by the first or second reactor relay does not produce a sufficient amount of gas.

Here, reference is made to FIG. 4D, which shows a schematic of a fourth configuration 400D of the electrolytic reactor system according to another embodiment. Configuration 400D shows the connections between the ECU 305, RCB 302, power source 303, fourth reactor 309, and reactor cell assembly 310.

As shown, the fourth reactor relay 309 can be connected to the conductive hooks 416 and 418. The hooks 416 and 418 are aligned and connected to the outer electrode plates of the cells 310d and 310i. The connection between the fourth reactor relay 309 and the conductive hooks 416 and 418 can be wire connections.

In at least some embodiments, the fourth reactor relay 309 is actuated by the actuation signal 305d produced by the ECU 305. When activated, the fourth reactor relay 309 transfers the voltage of 12V or 13.8V received from the power source 303 via the positive voltage signal 301d to the electrolytic cells 310d and 310f of the reactor cell assembly 310. It is applied between both ends of the electrolytic cell and between both ends of the electrolytic cells 310g and 310i. Therefore, a potential of 4V or 4.6V is generated between both ends of each of the six operated electrolytic cells 310d-310i. The voltage across each actuating cell in this configuration (ie, when the fourth reactor relay 309 is actuated) is increased by 100% as compared to the embodiment in which the first reactor relay 304 is actuated. do. In various cases, a 100% increase in voltage across each cell increases the rate of gas production of by-products by approximately 800% across the lecta cell assembly 310. The increase in gas production can also provide the advantage of heating the reactor cell assembly 310.

Like the third reactor relay 308, the fourth reactor relay 309 can also be activated if the ambient temperature around the reactor system 313 is determined to be within the low operating temperature range. Non-limiting examples of low temperatures can be in the range of about 0 to -28 degrees Celsius.

In other cases, the fourth reactor relay 309 also operates when it is determined that the current consumption of the reactor system 313 is within a very low current consumption range. Non-limiting examples of very low current consumption can range from 0A to 5A.

In various cases, the current consumption of the 12, 10, or 8 actuated cell configurations is to generate the desired gas production and / or to perform electrolysis within the reactor system 313. The fourth reactor relay 309 can be activated when it may not be sufficient to generate sufficient heat. Therefore, the control system 301 or the ECU 305 may, in some cases, activate the fourth reactor relay 309 to bring the first, second, or third reactor relay into a stopped state. In this way, the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 is changed from a 12, 10, or 8 actuated cell configuration to a 6 actuated cell configuration. The faster gas production rate due to the 6 cell configuration can help to quickly warm the reactor system 313 to the ideal operating temperature range of the reactor system.

When the reactor system 313 reaches the ideal operating temperature range and / or current consumption level of the reactor system, in some cases, the control system 301 or ECU 305 puts the fourth reactor relay 309 down. , First, second, or third reactor relays can be reactivated.

In an application where the reactor cell assembly 310 supplies hydrogen and oxygen gas to the internal combustion engine, the control system 301 states that the internal combustion engine requires a larger or faster influx of hydrogen and oxygen gas. , The fourth reactor relay 309 can also be activated when the information from the engine data signal 314 is received. In such cases, the fourth reactor relay 309 can be activated if the cell configuration created by the first, second, or third reactor relay does not produce a sufficient amount of gas.

In various embodiments, in the first operating mode in which the first reactor relay 304 is activated to apply a voltage of 13.8 V to the reactor cell assembly 310, the reactor cell assembly 310 is totaled at room temperature. It can consume a current of 15A. If the first reactor relay 304 is connected to 12 cells in the reactor cell assembly 310, a voltage of 2.3 V will be applied to each electrolytic cell and each electrolytic cell will be individually about 1.25 A. To consume. In such cases, the total gas production of the reactor cell assembly 310 may be about 1 liter / min and the total gas production per cell may be about 0.0833 liter / min.

When the reactor cell assembly 310 is operating in the second mode of operation, i.e., when the second reactor relay 306 is activated to apply a voltage of 13.8V to the reactor cell assembly 310, the reaction reacts. The reactor cell assembly 310 may consume a total current of 30 A at room temperature. If the second reactor relay 306 is connected to 10 cells in the reactor cell assembly 310, a voltage of 2.76 V can be applied to each electrolytic cell, each electrolytic cell individually about. Consume 3A. In such cases, the total gas production of the reactor cell assembly 310 can be about 2.0 liters / minute and the total gas production per cell can be about 0.2 liters / minute. Compared with the first operation mode, the efficiency of each cell in this case is improved by 240%, and the total efficiency of the entire reactor cell assembly 310 is improved by 200%.

When the reactor cell assembly 310 is operating in the third mode of operation, i.e., when the third reactor relay 308 is activated to apply a voltage of 13.8V to the reactor cell assembly 310, the reaction reacts. The reactor cell assembly 310 may consume a total current of 60 A at room temperature. When the third reactor relay 308 is connected to eight cells in the reactor cell assembly 310, a voltage of 3.45V is applied to each electrolytic cell and each electrolytic cell is individually about 7.5A. To consume. In such cases, the total gas production of the reactor cell assembly 310 can be about 4.0 liters / minute and the total gas production per cell can be about 0.5 liters / minute. Compared to the first mode of operation, in this case the efficiency of each cell is increased by 600% and the efficiency of the entire reactor cell assembly 310 is increased by 400%.

When the reactor cell assembly 310 is operating in the fourth operating mode, i.e., when the fourth reactor relay is activated to apply a voltage of 13.8V to the reactor cell assembly 310, the reactor. The cell assembly 310 may consume a total current of 120 A at room temperature. When a fourth reactor relay is connected to six cells in the reactor cell assembly 310, a voltage of 4.6V is applied to each electrolytic cell, each electrolytic cell individually consuming about 20A. .. In such cases, the total gas production of the reactor cell assembly 310 can be about 8.0 liters / minute and the total gas production per cell can be about 1.33 liters / minute. Compared to the first mode of operation, in this case the efficiency of each cell is increased by 1600% and the efficiency of the entire reactor cell assembly 310 is increased by 800%.

Table 2 presents examples of voltage and current measurements, as well as gas generation rates, associated with the reactor cell assembly 310 for various reactor cell assembly 310 configurations.

Table 3 presents an example of the optimal configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310 for various ambient temperatures in the vicinity of the reactor system 313.

Table 4 presents further exemplary gas production and current consumption levels in the configurations of the various reactor cell assemblies 310. Specifically, the values in Table 4 indicate that the ambient temperature near the reactor system 313 is slightly higher than room temperature (eg, 30 degrees Celsius), and that the supply voltage of 13.8 volts is the reactor cell. It is assumed that it is applied to the assembly 310. At cooler ambient temperatures, the heat generated by switching cell configurations is used to warm the reactor solution inside the reactor system 313, not only to catalyze the electrolysis process, but also to increase the reaction rate. However, at temperatures warmer than the ambient room temperature, the reactor system 313 does not require heating to initiate electrolysis. Thus, when the reactor assembly 313 is operating at a temperature warmer than the ambient room temperature, the energy generated by switching cell configurations is simply dissipated from the system in the form of heat. Table 4 below shows how much energy is dissipated in the form of heat when the reactor system 313 operates at a temperature slightly warmer than the ambient room temperature. The values in Table 4 also show how much heat the system generates with each switch of cell configuration. This heat is used to warm the reactor solution when the ambient temperature is lower.

As shown in Table 4, switching the reactor cell assembly 310 from a 12-cell configuration to a 10-cell configuration increases gas production by 16.82% and current consumption by 39.86%. This results in an energy loss of 16.71% in the form of heat from the system. Similarly, switching the reactor cell assembly 310 from a 10-cell configuration to an 8-cell configuration results in a 50% increase in gas production and a 105% increase in current consumption. This results in an energy loss of 38.87% in the form of heat. Further, switching from a 10-cell configuration to a 6-cell configuration results in a 48.59% increase in heat generated by the system. Therefore, the amount of heat loss caused by the reactor system 313 increases significantly with each switch of cell configuration (eg, from 16.71% to 38.87%, from 38.87% to 48.59%). .. The increase in heat is simply dissipated from the system at a temperature warmer than room temperature, but this same heat can be used to warm the reactor system 313 at a cooler ambient temperature. Therefore, the values in Table 4 indicate the extent to which the reactor system 313 can be warmed up by switching the cell configuration. In various cases, heat loss can be reduced at warmer ambient temperatures by lowering the voltage across the cells to produce less gas in each cell. As mentioned above, in order to accommodate changes in current consumption resulting from switching reactor relays, the reactor system 313 may include an electrical fuse that allows overcurrent protection.

Table 5 presents yet another exemplary gas production and current consumption level in the configuration of various reactor cell assemblies 310. Table 5 shows that the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the reactor system 313 is close to the ideal room temperature (eg, 24 degrees Celsius), and a supply voltage of 13.8 V is applied to the reactor cell assembly 310. I am assuming that. However, Table 5 shows the operation of the reactor cell assembly 310 for various current consumption and gas production values.

As shown in Table 5, switching from the 12-cell configuration to the 10-cell configuration results in a 71% increase in current consumption but a 58% increase in gas production. A 13% difference between current consumption (eg energy input) and gas output (eg energy output) represents the amount of energy lost from the system in the form of heat. Similarly, switching from a 10-cell configuration to an 8-cell configuration increases current consumption by 46% while increasing gas production by only 20%. Therefore, the difference of 26% also represents the energy loss due to heat. Similarly, when the reactor is switched from an 8-cell configuration to a 6-cell configuration, the current consumption increases by 49% while the gas production increases by only 14%, resulting in a 35% energy difference. Therefore, from Table 5, it can also be observed that the amount of heat loss caused by the reactor system 313 increases significantly with each switching of the cell configuration. As mentioned earlier, at cooler ambient temperatures, this heat can be used to warm the solution inside the reactor system 313.

See FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively, which schematically show perspective views of exemplary embodiments of reactor cells and tank system assemblies 500A and 500B, respectively. FIG. 5A shows a reactor cell and tank system assembly 500A according to an example. FIG. 5B shows the reactor cell and tank system assembly 500B according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a reactor cell and tank system assembly 500A comprising a tank system 312 and a reactor cell assembly 310. The tank system 312 comprises three containers 502, 504, and 506. The vessels 502 and 504 are in fluid communication with the reactor cell assembly 310. The vessels 502 and 504 receive the electrolyte solution from the solution pump 390 through the inlets 502a and 504a. The electrolyte solution is supplied from the containers 502 and 504 to the reactor cell assembly 310 for electrolysis. The vessels 502 and 504 also collect the gas generated from the reactor cell assembly 310 as a by-product of electrolysis. As described in more detail herein, the gas collected in containers 502 and 504 can be carried to container 506. In an application in which the internal combustion engine is coupled to the reactor system 313, the gas in the container 506 may be transferred to the internal combustion engine through the gas outlet 506a. In various cases, the gas is transferred to the internal combustion engine through the gas supply line 550 connected to the air intake of the internal combustion engine. The gas supply line 550 can be, for example, a connecting pipe.

The containers 502 and 504 can contain level sensors 510 and 512, respectively. The level sensors 510 and 512 are similar to the level sensor 360 of FIG. 3A, respectively, and can detect the level of the solution inside the reactor cell assembly 310. The level sensor can be, for example, a float switch.

Examples of float switches that may be used with the level sensor 510 or 512 are shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. 5C and 5D show a float switch 511 comprising a body portion 511a and a valve portion 511b. The valve portion 511b is pivotally attached to the main body portion 511a. FIG. 5C shows a non-triggered float switch 511 in which the valve 511a hangs below the body portion 511a along a horizontal axis. FIG. 5D shows a triggered float switch 511, this time with the valve 511a pivoted upward so as to line up horizontally with the body portion 511a. The float switch floats when the solution inside the reactor cell assembly 310 rises to at least the level of the float switch so that the valve 511a floats horizontally in line with the body portion 511b (eg, FIG. 5D). Can be triggered.

With reference back to FIG. 5A, the level sensors 510 and 512 may include microswitches that are activated when the level sensor is triggered. The activated microswitch may be configured to send a sensor signal 312a to the control system 301. In some cases, when the control system 301 receives the sensor signal 312a, the control system 301 can determine that the reactor cell assembly 310 has been filled with a sufficient amount of solution and is ready to perform the electrolysis process. .. In such cases, the control system 301 can instruct the solution pump 390 to stop supplying the solution to the tank system 312. The control system 301 can also instruct the ECU 305 to activate one of the reactor relays 304-309 in order to start supplying power to the reactor cell assembly 310.

FIG. 5B shows the reactor cell and tank system assembly 500B according to another embodiment. The reactor cell and tank system assembly 500B comprises all the elements of the reactor cell and tank system assembly 500A. However, the assembly 500B comprises level sensors 510 and 512 located in the containers 502 and 504 below the level sensors 510 and 512 of the assembly 500A, respectively.

Since the volumes of the vessels 502 and 504 remain constant, the lower position of the level sensor within the assembly 500B allows the reactor cell assembly 310 to have a smaller amount before triggering the level sensor. The result is that it only accepts the solution. As a result, the lower position of the level sensor in the assembly 500B results in the reactor cell assembly 310 performing electrolysis on a smaller amount of solution. That is, the reactor assembly 310 requires a smaller supply of solution to perform the electrolysis. Moreover, in colder weather, a smaller amount of solution in the reactor cell assembly 310 of the assembly 500B may be heated more quickly than a larger amount of solution in the reactor cell assembly 310 of the assembly 500A.

Also, the lower position of the level sensor within the assembly 500B results in the containers 502 and 504 receiving less solution before the level sensor is triggered. The smaller amount of solution received in the vessels 502 and 504 can reduce the head pressure on the solution inside the reactor cell assembly 310. Head pressure refers to the resistance faced by the gas present inside the reactor cell assembly 310.

In an exemplary embodiment, the level sensors 510 and 512 within the assembly 500A are located approximately 5.72 centimeters (2.25 inches) from the top lids of the containers 502 and 504 and the level sensors within the assembly 500B. Sensors 510 and 512 are located 8.26 centimeters (3.25 inches) from the top lids of containers 502 and 504. Due to the lower position of the level sensor in the assembly 500B compared to the assembly 500A, the solution that collects in the reactor cell assembly 310 before the level sensor is triggered is about 400 ml, more. The result is less.

See here, FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively, schematically showing perspective views of more exemplary embodiments of reactor cell and tank system assemblies 600A and 600B, respectively. FIG. 6A shows a reactor cell and tank system assembly 600A according to an example. FIG. 6B shows an assembly of the reactor cell and tank system 600B according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a reactor cell and tank system assembly 600A comprising a reactor cell assembly 310 and a tank system 312. The tank system 312 includes containers 502 and 504 that communicate fluidly with the reactor cell assembly 310. Containers 502 and 504 have inlets 502a and 504a to receive water (or other electrolyte solution) from the solution pump 390. The solution is supplied from the containers 502 and 504 into the reactor cell assembly 310 and used for electrolysis. As a by-product of electrolysis, the gas produced by the reactor cell assembly 310 is returned and collected in each of the containers 502 and 504.

The gas received in the containers 502 and 504 can be carried to the container 506 through the gas pipe 602a. As shown, the gas pipe 602a is connected to the gas outlets 502b and 504b of the containers 502 and 504, respectively, and the gas inlet 506b of the container 506. Therefore, the gas can pass through the gas outlets 502b and 504b, respectively, exit the container 502 and 504, respectively, and move to the container 506 through the gas pipe 602a. The container 506 also has a gas outlet 506a through which the gas collected from the containers 502 and 504 can exit the container 506 and enter the gas supply line 550. The gas supply line 550 can be a channeling medium (eg, a tube) that carries the gas from the container 506 to the unit or device coupled to the reactor and tank assembly 600A. In the exemplary case where the reactor and tank assembly 600A are connected to an internal combustion engine, the gas supply line 550 can supply gas from the container 506 to the air intake of the internal combustion engine. In some cases, the suction force generated by the air intake of the engine facilitates the flow of gas from the containers 502 and 504 through the gas pipe 602a into the container 506 and through the gas supply line 550 to the internal combustion engine. ..

As shown, the gas pipe 602a comprises a gas pipe 608a joined together using a gas joint 604a. The gas pipe 608a and the gas joint 604a can each be defined by an inner diameter. The inner diameters of the gas pipe 608a and the gas fitting 604a can be selected at a given step to determine the volume of gas that can flow through these components. The inner diameter can also determine the level of resistance faced by the gas flowing through these components.

FIG. 6B shows the reactor cell and tank system assembly 600B according to another embodiment. The reactor cell and tank system assembly 600B is of the reactor cell and tank system assembly 600A, except that the reactor cell and tank system assembly 600B comprises a gas pipe 602b instead of the gas pipe 602a. It has all the elements. The gas pipe 602b includes a gas pipe 608b connected by using a gas joint 604b. The gas pipe 602b (that is, the gas pipe 608b and the gas joint 604b) has a larger inner diameter than the gas pipe 602a of the assembly 600A.

Increasing the diameter of the gas pipe 602b helps a larger amount of gas to be carried through the pipe, while reducing resistance to gas flow. Therefore, the gas pipe 602b can assist in the configuration of the cell reactor assembly 310 that generates gas at a speed higher than every minute. In an application in which the ICE is coupled to the reactor cell assembly 310, increasing the diameter of the gas pipe 602b assists in increasing the flow rate of gas to the ICE.

In some embodiments, the gas pipe 602a has an outer diameter of 0.95 cm (3/8 inch), while the gas pipe 602b has an outer diameter of 1.27 cm (0.5 inch). Have. When the outer diameter of the gas pipe 602b is increased by 0.32 cm (1/8 inch), the capacity of the gas flowing through the gas pipe 602b is, as a result, 125 compared to the flow rate of the gas through the gas pipe 602a. %To increase. 6E is a perspective view of the gas joint 604a according to FIG. 6A and the gas joint 608b according to FIG. 6B. 6F is a perspective view of the gas pipe 608a according to FIG. 6A and the gas pipe 608b according to FIG. 6B. As shown, the gas joint 604a and the gas pipe 608a have a smaller diameter than the gas joint 604b and the gas pipe 608b. For example, the gas fitting 604a and the gas pipe 608a may have an outer diameter of 0.64 cm (0.25 inch), while the gas fitting 604b and the gas pipe 608b may have an outer diameter of 0.95 cm (3). 8 inches) may have an increased diameter. Increasing the diameter of the gas joint 604b and the gas pipe 608b helps a larger amount of gas to flow through the joint 604b and the pipe 608b.

See here, FIG. 6C, which shows the reactor cell and tank system assembly 600C according to another embodiment.

In addition to collecting gaseous by-products, vessels 502-506 can in some cases erroneously collect solutions and KOH from the reactor cell assembly 310. For example, vessels 502-506 may optionally collect electrolyte solution and KOH due to the large suction force generated by the internal combustion engine coupled to the reactor and tank assembly 600C. For example, if the internal combustion engine is operating at high speed (eg, high RPM), or if the turbocharger of the engine is operating, the engine may require more air supply. Therefore, an extra air supply can be drawn through the air intake of the engine, which can generate a larger suction force through the gas supply line 550 connected to the air intake. The suction force can then generate an increase in negative pressure inside the vessels 502-506, which draws the electrolyte solution and KOH from the reactor cell assembly 310 into the tank system 312. obtain.

The electrolyte solution and KOH can also accumulate inside the vessels 502-506 as a result of the condensation of gas vapors generated by electrolysis inside the reactor cell assembly 310. Specifically, each switching of the cell configuration inside the reactor cell assembly 310 raises the temperature inside the reactor cell assembly 310, which may result in a larger amount of steam in the formed gas. There is. In some cases, gas vapor may condense inside the containers 502 to 506, resulting in the accumulation of solution and KOH inside each container. When the reactor and cell assembly 600C are operating at warmer ambient temperatures, the problem of gas vapor condensation stands out.

In various cases, when the solution and KOH accumulate inside the vessel 502-506 due to a large suction force or condensation of gas vapor, it then goes to the unit or device connected to the reactor and tank assembly 600C. May result in flooding. For example, the suction force generated by the internal combustion engine can draw the solution and KOH from the container 506 through the gas supply line 550 into the internal combustion engine and damage the engine.

In some embodiments, the container 506 may include an overflow sensor 610 to prevent the solution and KOH from accumulating inside the container 502-506 and consequently overflowing from the container 506 to the connected unit or device. .. The overflow sensor 610 is similar to the overflow sensor 365 of FIG. 3A. The overflow sensor 610 realizes a safety check function by ensuring that the levels of the solution and KOH inside the container 506 do not exceed the height of a predetermined threshold value.

In some embodiments, the vessel 506 also comprises a pump 612 that communicates fluid with the internal volume of the vessel 506. The pump 612 is similar to the pump 380 of FIG. 3A. When the overflow sensor 610 is activated, the pump 612 can pump excess solution and KOH from the vessel 506 back into the reactor cell assembly 310. In some cases, a flow path tube 614 for carrying excess solution and KOH can be provided and pumped out of the vessel 506 and returned into the reactor cell assembly 310. Specifically, using the pump 612 avoids the need to close the reactor and cell assembly 600C and manually remove and empty the vessel 506, which can result in excessive system downtime. do.

In various cases, the pump 612 can be operated by the control system 301. To operate the pump 612, the overflow sensor 610 may include a micro switch that sends the sensor signal 312b to the control system 301 when activated. The control system 301 receives and processes the sensor signal 312b and instructs the pump 612 to initiate the pump transfer of the solution and KOH from the container 506 into the flow path tube 614. In some cases, the flow path tube 614 can carry excess solution and KOH from the vessel 506 to the bottom of the reactor cell assembly 310. This, in particular, may have the advantage of assisting in proper remixing of KOH with the electrolyte solution already present inside the reactor cell assembly 310. If the electrolyte solution contains water, a higher concentration of KOH compared to water helps to properly remix and can be further justified to inject from the bottom of the reactor cell assembly 310 rather than the top. ..

In various cases, the transfer by the pump 612 can be performed for 5 seconds, which may be sufficient time to pump the entire volume of the vessel 506 back into the reactor cell assembly 310. When the pump transfer is complete and the solution and KOH levels return below the height of the overflow sensor 610, the control system 302 can shut down the pump 612.

It will be appreciated that KOH can be reused in the electrolysis process by pumping the solution and KOH back into the reactor assembly 310. Further, again, by pumping the solution and KOH back into the reactor cell assembly 310, the concentration of KOH inside the reactor cell assembly 310 is surely not diminished, or otherwise maintained at a constant level. Will be done. When the electrolyte solution is water, the boiling point of the water inside the reactor cell assembly 310 may rise as the KOH solution becomes thinner. This, in turn, results in an increase in the volume of gas vapor produced by the cell assembly 310, and when the gas vapor condenses, additional KOH may accumulate inside the containers 502-506. The lower the concentration of KOH inside the reactor cell assembly 310, the lower the freeze point of water, which makes it easier for the water to freeze when the reactor system operates at colder ambient temperatures. Therefore, this can impair the functionality of the reactor system during operation at colder temperatures. Further, when the concentration of KOH is lower, the conductivity of the liquid mixture inside the reactor cell assembly 310 decreases, and as a result, the amount of gas produced decreases, and therefore the efficiency of the reactor and the cell assembly 600C decreases. May decrease.

In some embodiments, the vessel 506 may include a secondary overflow sensor 616. The secondary overflow sensor 616 may resemble the primary overflow sensor 610, but may be located closer to the gas outlet 506a. The secondary overflow sensor 616 can implement a spare safety mechanism that prevents the solution and KOH inside the container 506 from overflowing. For example, a secondary overflow sensor 616 may be required if the solution and KOH are flowing into the container 506 at a rate faster than the rate at which the solution and KOH are pumped from the container 506 by the pump 612. In other cases, the secondary overflow sensor 616 may be required if the primary sensor 610 and / or the pump 612 malfunctions.

When the secondary overflow sensor 616 is activated, the secondary overflow sensor 616 can transmit the signal 312b to the control system 301. The control system 301 can process this signal and respond to it by shutting down the reactor and tank system 600C. The control system 301 can shut down the reactor and the tank system 600C by transmitting the control signal 318 to the ECU to stop all the reactor relays 304 to 309. By putting the reactor relay in a stopped state, no positive voltage is applied to the reactor cell assembly 310 and the electrolysis process is stopped.

In some cases, the container 506 may not include the primary overflow sensor 610 or the pump 612, but may include only the secondary overflow sensor 616. In such a case, when the secondary overflow sensor 616 is activated, the reactor and tank assembly 600C are automatically shut down.

In some embodiments, the container 506 may also include a visual indicator 618. The visual indicator 618 can be, for example, an LED light. The visual indicator 618 may be located outside the container 506, or otherwise anywhere else outside the container 506. In some cases, the container 506 may have at least a partially transparent outside, and the visual indicator 618 may be located inside the container 506. The visual indicator 618 can be connected (eg, electrically connected) to the secondary overflow sensor 616 so that when the secondary overflow sensor 616 is activated, the visual indicator 618 is activated. In other cases, the visual indicator 618 can be connected to the control system 301 and can be activated by the control system 301 when the control system 301 receives the signal 312b from the secondary overflow sensor 616. When the visual indicator 618 is activated, it can indicate to the user that the container 506 is overflowing with solution and KOH and that the container 506 needs to be manually removed and emptied.

In some embodiments, the secondary overflow sensor 616 cannot automatically shut down the reactor system 600C when activated and can only activate the visual indicator 618. When the visual indicator 618 is activated, the user can manually shut down the reactor and tank assembly 600C to empty the vessel 506. In yet other cases, the visual indicator 618 can be connected to the primary overflow sensor 610.

See FIG. 6D, which schematically shows a top perspective view of the vessel 506 of the reactor cell and tank system assembly 600C, according to some further exemplary embodiments.

As shown, the container 506 has a gas outlet 506a and a gas inlet 506b. The gas outlet 506a connects to the gas supply line 550, which carries the gas to a unit or device (eg, an internal combustion engine) connected to the reactor and tank assembly 600C. The gas inlet 506b is used to receive gas from the containers 502 and 506 through the gas pipes 602a or 602b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container 506 also has an additional outlet 506c. As shown, the outlet 506c can accept the pipe fitting assembly 620 coupled to the first pressure relief valve 622 and the second pressure relief valve 624.

The first pressure relief valve 622 can be used to prevent an increase in negative pressure inside the reactor and tank assembly 600C. In various cases, the negative pressure can be due to the large suction force generated by the internal combustion engine connected to the vessel 506 via the gas supply line 550. Negative pressure creates a large pressure difference (eg, atmospheric pressure) between the inside of the reactor and tank assembly 600C and the outside of the reactor and tank assembly 600C, thereby causing the reactor and tank assembly. It may put stress on the 600C. In some cases, the negative pressure inside the reactor and tank assembly can cause the solution and KOH to overflow from the reactor cell assembly 310 into the tank assembly 312 and into the engine. As shown, the first pressure relief valve 622 may include an inlet end 622a communicating with the container 506 via a fitting assembly 620 and an opposing outlet end 622b. When an increase to the threshold of negative pressure inside the container 506 is detected at the inlet end 622a, the pressure relief valve 622 may open, allowing air to flow into the container 506. Due to the inflow of air, the pressure inside the reactor and tank assembly 600C becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure outside the reactor and tank assembly. In some embodiments, the first pressure relief valve 622 may have a threshold pressure setting of 0.3 PSI.

The second pressure relief valve 624 can be used to prevent an increase in positive pressure inside the reactor and tank assembly 600C. The increase in positive pressure may be due to blockage of the gas outlet 506c of the container 506, for example due to physical obstruction or gradual accumulation of frozen water. Increased positive pressure inside the reactor and tank assembly 600C can result in leaks, which can render the assembly inoperable. As shown, the second pressure relief valve 624 also comprises an inlet end 624a communicating with the container 506 via the fitting assembly 620 and an opposing outlet end 624b. When the inlet end 624a detects an increase to the positive pressure threshold inside the vessel 506, the outlet end 624a opens and air exits the vessel 506 and is inside the reactor and tank assembly 600C. It may be possible to make the pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure outside the assembly. In some embodiments, the second pressure relief valve 624 may be a threshold pressure setting of 5.0 PSI.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the reactor system 700 according to an exemplary embodiment. The reactor system 700 is similar to the reactor system 313 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The reactor system 700 includes a tank system 312 and a reactor cell assembly 310. The tank system 312 is in fluid communication with the reactor cell assembly 310 to supply the electrolyte solution to the reactor cell assembly 310.

As shown, the electrolyte solution is dispensed from the tank system 312 through pipes 702 and 704 connecting the tank system 312 to inlets (not shown) located on the left and right sides of the reactor cell assembly 310. It is supplied to the cell assembly 310. The tank system 312 comprises containers 502, 504, and 506. Containers 502 and 504 include level sensors 510 and 512, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the level sensors 510 and 512 are located 8.26 centimeters (3.25 inches) from the top lids of the containers 502 and 504.

The vessel 506 may include a primary overflow sensor 610, a secondary overflow sensor 616, a visual indicator 618, and a pump 612 that connects the vessel 506 to the reactor cell assembly 310 via a flow path tube 614. The gas pipe 602b carries the gas collected inside the containers 502 and 504 to the container 506. The gas supply line 550 carries the gas from the container 506 to the device or unit connected to the reactor cell assembly 310.

In an application in which the reactor cell assembly 310 is coupled to an internal combustion engine, the gas supply line 550 can carry by-product gas (eg, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas) to the internal combustion engine.

The reactor system 700 also comprises a reactor cell assembly 310 comprising reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 coupled to electrolytic cells within the reactor cell assembly 310 (reactor relay 309). Is hidden from sight). The reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 of FIG. 7 have the same structure and operation as the reactor relays 304, 306, 308, and 309 of FIGS. 3A to 3C and 4A to 4D.

Here, both FIGS. 2A and 2B, which show exemplary applications of the electrolytic reactor platform 300 of FIG. 3A and the electrolytic reactor 700 of FIG. 7 and how to operate them, are referred to again. FIG. 2A specifically shows a block diagram of a fuel management system 200A according to an example, as previously discussed. FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the fuel management system 200B according to another embodiment.

The fuel management system 200A of FIG. 2A includes an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) 208, a reactor system 313, and a control system 301. The various components of the fuel management system 200A are connected via network 202.

The network 202 includes the Internet, Ethernet, a basic telephone service (POTS) line, a public switched telephone network (PSTN: public switch telephone network), and an integrated service digital network (ISDN) digital network. Any of these, including subscriber lines (DSL: digital subscriber lines), coaxial cables, optical fibers, satellites, mobiles, wireless (eg Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signal networks, fixed lines, premises networks, wide area networks, etc. It can be any network that can support data transmission, including combinations. The network 202 may also include storage media such as CD ROMs, DVDs, SD cards, external hard drives, USB drives and the like. The network 202 may also include storage media such as CD ROMs, DVDs, SD cards, external hard drives, USB drives and the like.

The reactor system 313 is any reactor system configured to perform the process of electrolysis and is similar in structure and functionality to the reactor systems 313 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The ICE 208 is a combustion engine configured to carry out the process of burning carbon-based fuels. In the illustrated embodiment, the ICE 208 is configured to perform a combustion process of a mixture of carbon-based fuel and hydrogen and oxygen gas received from the reactor system 313. The embodiment of FIG. 2A will be discussed in more detail with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 2B below.

FIG. 2B shows a fuel management system 200B according to a further exemplary embodiment. As shown, the reactor system 313 may be configured to supply hydrogen (H ₂ ) gas and oxygen (O ₂ ) gas to the intake stream of the ICE 208. The hydrogen and oxygen gases supplied to the ICE 208 are generated by the reactor system 313.

The engine control module (“ECM: engine control module”) 206 may be connected to the ICE 208 to monitor operating conditions. The operating status of ICE208 monitored by _ECM206 includes mileage meter information, engine speed, fuel consumption, fuel speed, mass air pressure, mass airflow, number of miles traveled, distance, fuel ratio, exhaust temperature, NOX level, CO ₂ level, O ₂ level, engine instantaneous fuel consumption, engine average fuel consumption, engine inlet air mass flow rate, engine required percent torque, engine percent load at current speed, actual gear ratio of transmission, current transmission Includes gear, engine cylinder combustion status, engine cylinder knock level, processed intake _NOX level preliminary failure mode identifier (FMI: fuel mode indicator), drive train information, vehicle speed, GPS location, etc. However, it is not limited to these.

In at least some embodiments, the operating state monitored by the ECM 206 may be transmitted to the control system 301 through the engine data signal 314. The control system 301 can use the information contained in the engine data signal 314 to make one or more determinations regarding the operation of various components of the fuel management system 200B. For example, the control system 301 can determine from the information in the engine data signal 314 that the ICE 208 requires more or less inflow of hydrogen and oxygen gases. The control system 301 can then send a control signal 318 instructing the reactor system 313 to change the configuration of the reactor system in order to increase or decrease the rate of hydrogen and oxygen gas production.

If the ICE 208 does not have an ECM 206, or if the ECM 206 does not provide the required data, other sensors or devices may be connected to the ICE 208 or other parts of the vehicle to monitor engine parameters. Engine parameters received from such sensors or devices can be used by the control system 301 to determine the performance of the ICE 208.

The control system 301 can also receive data from the monitoring system 350 connected to the reactor system 313. For example, the monitoring system 350 may include one or more temperature sensors 355 that may be located near or near the outside of the reactor system 313 to measure the ambient temperature of the reactor system 313. The temperature sensor 355 may also be located inside the reactor system 313.

The temperature sensor 355 may be configured to transmit temperature measurements to the control system 301 through the temperature signal 316a. The control system 301 uses the information contained in the temperature signal 316a to determine the operation of various components of the fuel management system 200B. For example, the control system 301 can determine from the temperature signal 316a that the reactor system 313 is operating at a temperature lower than the ideal operating temperature range. The control system 301 can then transmit a control signal 318 instructing the reactor system 313 to change the configuration of the reactor system for the purpose of heating the reactor system to an ideal operating temperature range.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 355 may be preconfigured to transmit temperature measurements to the control system 301 at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined frequencies. In other cases, the temperature sensor 355 can transmit the temperature measurement value to the control system 301 in response to the temperature request signal 316b transmitted from the control system 301 to the temperature sensor 355.

In other cases, the control system 301 can receive current consumption data through the current signal 370a produced by the current sensor 370. Similarly, the control system 301 can use the information contained in the current signal 370a to make determinations regarding the operation of various components of the fuel management system 200B. For example, the control system 301 can determine from the current signal 370a that the reactor system 313 is generating gas at a slow rate and / or is operating below the ideal temperature range. .. The control system 301 then commands the reactor system 313 to change the configuration of the reactor system in order to increase the gas production rate and / or heat the reactor system to the ideal temperature range accordingly. , The control signal 318 can be transmitted.

In some cases, the control system 301 may be located remote from the ICE 208 and the reactor system 313 and operated by the operator. The operator may be able to control various components of the fuel management system 200B by interacting with the user interface of the control system 301. For example, the control system 301 may have a user interface that informs the operator of the ambient temperature around or inside the reactor system 313 (ie, using information from the temperature signal 316a). The operator can then select the appropriate configuration of the reactor system 313 through the user interface. The control system 301 can apply the selected configuration to the reactor system 313 through the control signal 318. In other cases, the temperature sensor 355 or the current sensor 370 may become inoperable, in which case the operator may enter the temperature or current value into the user interface of the control system 301. The control system 301 can then determine the appropriate cell configuration of the reactor system 313 based on the written temperature or current value.

Other sensors may be located around or inside the reactor system 313. These sensors include water tank level, electrolyte level, supply voltage, supply current, water tank temperature, reactor temperature, reactor leak, water pump, gas flow rate, relative humidity, electrolyte conductivity, electrolyte resistance, And the data regarding the concentration of the electrolyte can be transmitted to the control system 301.

Next, reference is made to FIG. 8, which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of method 800 of modifying the configuration of the reactor system 313 based on the perceived temperature associated with the reactor system 313. Method 800 may be performed by control system 301.

At 802, the control system 301 receives information from one or more temperature sensors 355 about the ambient temperature associated with the reactor system 313. In some cases, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 355 may be the temperature inside the reactor system 313. In some other cases, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor can be the temperature inside the reactor cell assembly 310.

At 804A, the control system 301 determines whether the temperature associated with the reactor system 313 is below a predefined threshold (ie, below the ideal operating temperature range). If this is the case, at 806, the control system 301 determines the appropriate configuration of the reactor system 313. A suitable configuration may be such that the reactor system 313 is sufficiently heated to raise the temperature to an ideal range. For example, if the ambient temperature associated with the reactor system 313 is measured to be less than 20 degrees Celsius, then the control system 301 has the proper configuration of the reactor system 313 being the 10 actuating cell configuration shown in FIG. 4B. Can be determined. Alternatively, if the ambient temperature associated with the reactor system 313 is measured to be less than 0 degrees Celsius, the control system 301 will have eight appropriate configurations of the reactor system 313, respectively, shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, respectively. It can be determined that there is an operating cell configuration of 1 or 6 operating cell configurations.

At 808, the control system 301 instructs the ECU 305 to change the configuration of the reactor system 313 by stopping and / or activating the relay elements 304-309. For example, in 806, if the control system 301 determines that the proper configuration of the reactor system 313 is a 10 actuated cell configuration, the control system 301 tells the ECU 305 that the first reactor relay 304 is stopped. (If the reactor relay 304 had been activated earlier), it can be instructed to activate the second reactor relay 306. In 806, if the control system 301 determines that the proper configuration of the reactor system 313 is an eight operating cell configuration, the control system 301 tells the ECU 305 the first reactor relay 304 or the second reaction. Any of the reactor relays 306 can be stopped (in some cases) and instructed to activate the third reactor relay 308. If none of the reactor relays have been activated first, the ECU 305 will directly activate the reactor relays in question. In 806, if the control system 301 determines that the proper configuration of the reactor system 313 is a six actuated cell configuration, the control system 301 tells the ECU 305 the first reactor relay 304, the second reaction. Either the instrument relay 306 or the third reactor relay 308 can be stopped (in some cases) and instructed to activate the fourth reactor relay 309. If none of the reactor relays have been activated first, the ECU 305 will directly activate the reactor relays in question. Changing the reactor system 313 to a smaller number of working cells results in the reactor system 313 warming up to the desired temperature range (ie, the ideal operating temperature range).

Alternatively, if 804a determines that the temperature associated with the reactor system 313 is not below a predetermined threshold, control system 301 determines at 804b whether the temperature is above a predetermined threshold. For example, in some cases, the reactor system 313 may be generating excess heat due to the increased gas production. If this is the case, at 806, the control system 301 determines the appropriate configuration of the reactor cell assembly 310. For example, if the reactor system 313 is operating in a 6 or 8 actuated cell configuration and is generating excessive heat, the control system 301 may be in the 10 actuated cell configuration or the 10 actuated cell configuration shown in FIG. 4B. It can be determined that the 12 actuated cell configurations shown in FIG. 4A are more appropriate.

At 808, the control system 301 instructs the ECU 305 to change the configuration of the reactor system 313 by stopping and / or activating the relay elements 304-309. For example, the control system 301 causes the ECU 305 to stop the third reactor relay 308 or the fourth reactor relay 309 (the third reactor relay or the fourth reactor relay operates first. To activate either the first reactor relay 304 or the second reactor relay 308, respectively, to change the configuration to 12 actuated cell configurations or 10 actuated cell configurations. I can instruct. Changing the configuration of the reactor system 313 to a larger number of working cells will help cool the reactor system 313 to a suitable temperature.

If the control system 301 determines at 804b that the temperature associated with the reactor system 313 does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the process returns to 802 and the control system 301 is from one or more temperature sensors 355. Continue to receive the temperature measurement value of.

Next, reference is made to FIG. 9, which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of method 900 of modifying the configuration of the reactor system 313 based on the sensed current consumption of the reactor system 313. Method 900 may be performed by control system 301.

At 902, the control system 301 receives current consumption data from a monitoring system such as the monitoring system 350. The monitoring system 350 may include one or more current sensors 370 configured to monitor current consumption by the reactor system 313.

At 904a, the control system 301 uses the current consumption data to determine if the current consumption level is within the first predetermined range. In an exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined range may be the range of current consumption, which is the ideal range of current consumption. As a non-limiting example, the first predetermined range of current consumption can be between 15A and 20A. This may indicate that the reactor system 313 is operating at ideal temperature. This is because the lower the temperature, the slower the current consumption of the reactor system 313.

If it is determined in 904a that the current consumption is within the first predetermined range, the control system 301 changes the configuration of the reactor system 313 to the first predetermined configuration in 906. As a non-limiting example, the first predetermined configuration may be the 12 working cell configurations shown in FIG. 4A. The control system 301 changes the reactor system 313 into a 12 actuating cell configuration by instructing the ECU 305 to actuate the first reactor relay 304.

Alternatively, if it is determined in 904a that the current consumption of the reactor system 313 is not within the first predetermined range, is the control system 301 in 904b that the current consumption is within the second predetermined range? It is determined whether or not, and here, the range of the second predetermined current consumption is lower than the range of the first predetermined range. As a non-limiting example, the second predetermined range of current consumption can be between 6A and 10A. This may indicate that the reactor system 313 is operating below the ideal temperature or at a lower temperature. This is because as the temperature drops, the current consumption of the reactor system 313 decreases. In addition, the reduction in current consumption by the reactor system 313 also reduces the process of electrolysis and thus the rate of gas production.

If at 904b it is found that the current consumption is within the second predetermined range, the process proceeds to 908, where the configuration of the reactor system 313 is changed to the second predetermined configuration. The second predetermined configuration is a configuration in which the number of operating cells is smaller than that of the first predetermined configuration. As a non-limiting example, the second predetermined configuration may be the 10 working cell configurations shown in FIG. 4B. Reducing the number of working cells increases the current consumption per cell, thereby increasing the process of electrolysis in the reactor system 313. This results in an increase in gas production rate, resulting in increased heat in the reactor system 313. Therefore, the temperature of the reactor system 313 rises, and then the current consumption of the reactor system 313 increases.

The control system 301 changes the reactor system 313 to a configuration of 10 actuating cells by instructing the ECU 305 to actuate the second reactor relay 306. If the first reactor relay 304 is activated first, the control system 301 has stopped the first reactor relay to the ECU 305 before instructing the ECU 305 to activate the second reactor relay 306. Instruct to do.

However, if 904b determines that the current consumption is not within the second predetermined range, the process proceeds to 904c to determine if the current consumption is within the third predetermined range. Here, the third predetermined range is lower than the second predetermined range. As a non-limiting example, a third predetermined range of current consumption can be between 0A and 5A. Below the ideal current consumption by the reactor system 313 may indicate that the reactor system 313 is operating at a very low temperature. Moreover, this can result in a substantial reduction in the rate of gas production by the reactor system 313.

If at 904c it is found that the current consumption is within the third predetermined range, the process proceeds to 910, where the configuration of the reactor system 313 is changed to the third predetermined configuration. In 910, the third predetermined configuration is a configuration in which the number of operating cells is reduced from the second predetermined range. As a non-limiting example, the third predetermined configuration may be the eight actuated cell configurations shown in FIG. 4C or the six actuated cell configurations shown in FIG. 4D. The control system 301 can therefore change the reactor system 313 to an eight actuated cell configuration by instructing the ECU 305 to actuate the third reactor relay 308. In other cases, the control system 301 can change the reactor system 313 to a six actuated cell configuration by instructing the ECU 305 to actuate the fourth reactor relay 309. If the first reactor relay 304 or the second reactor relay 306 is activated first, the control system 301 causes the ECU 305 to activate the third reactor relay 308 or the fourth reactor relay 309. Before instructing the ECU 305, it is possible to instruct the ECU 305 to first stop (in some cases) the first or second reactor relay.

Reducing the number of working cells to 8 or 6 cells increases the current consumption per cell, thereby increasing the process of electrolysis in the reactor system 313. This results in an increase in gas production rate, resulting in increased heat in the reactor system 313. Therefore, the temperature of the reactor system 313 rises, and then the current consumption of the reactor system 313 increases.

However, if the 904c determines that the current consumption of the reactor system 313 is not within a third predetermined range, the process returns to 902 and the current consumption of the reactor system 313 is continuously monitored.

In any case (906, 908, 912), if the control system 301 changes the configuration of the reactor cell assembly 313, method 900 ends at 912.

Next, reference is made to FIG. 10A, which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of method 1000A in which the configuration of the reactor system 313 is modified according to the hydrogen and oxygen requirements of the ICE coupled to the reactor system 313. Method 1000A may be performed by control system 301.

At 1002A, control system 301 receives information about the need for hydrogen and oxygen gas in ICE 208. Once the gas needs of the ICE 208 are known, the process of electrolysis performed by the reactor system 313 can be modified to adapt to such needs. In some cases, the control system 301 receives the operating state of the ICE 208, analyzes and processes the operating state, and determines the need for gas in the ICE 208. The operating state of the ICE 208 can be received from the ECM 206. In some other cases, the gas needs of the ICE 208 are received from external sources.

At 1004A, the control system 301 also receives information about the current gas production rate of the reactor system 313. For example, the control system 301 can receive current consumption information from the current sensor 370. The current consumption information can then be used by the control system 301 to determine the current gas production rate by the reactor system 313. The control system 301 can receive current consumption information from the monitoring system 350, and the monitoring system may include one or more current sensors 370.

At 1006A, the control system 301 determines whether the gas production rate of the reactor system 313 should be increased or decreased in order to meet the hydrogen and oxygen gas needs of the ICE 208. The determination at 1006A can be made using the information gathered at 1002 and 1004A.

If the control system 301 determines at 1006A that the ICE 208 requires further influx of hydrogen and oxygen gas, the control system 301 then determines at 1008A the current temperature of the reactor system 313. For example, the control system 301 can determine the current temperature of the reactor system 313 based on the ambient temperature information received from the temperature sensor 355. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 301 can also use the current consumption information received from the temperature sensor 370 to determine the relative temperature of the reactor system 301.

At 1010A, the control system 301 determines the gas requirement of the ICE 208 (determined by 1006A), the current gas production rate of the reactor system 313 (determined by 1004A), and the current temperature of the reactor system 313 (determined by 1004A). The configuration of the reactor system 313 is changed based on (determined by 1008A). For example, if the control system 301 determines that the ICE 208 requires further influx of hydrogen and oxygen that are not currently supplied by the reactor system 313, the control system 301 may have an appropriate configuration of the reactor system 313. , 10 actuated cell configurations shown in FIG. 4B, 8 actuated cell configurations shown in FIG. 4C, or 6 actuated cell configurations shown in FIG. 4D. By changing the configuration of the reactor system 313 to a smaller number of working cells, the amount of hydrogen and oxygen produced from the reactor system 313 to the ICE 208 will increase accordingly. Therefore, the control system 301 can instruct the ECU 305 to change the configuration by stopping or operating the relay elements 304 to 309.

For example, if the control system 301 determines that the proper configuration of the reactor system 313 is a 10 actuating cell configuration, the control system 301 instructs the ECU 305 to activate the second reactor relay 306. .. If the first reactor relay 304, the third reactor relay 308, or the fourth reactor relay 309 is operating first, the control system 301 first informs the ECU 305 of the first, third, or first. The reactor relay of 4 is instructed to be stopped (in some cases), and then the ECU 305 is instructed to activate the second reactor relay 306.

Similarly, if the control system 301 determines that the appropriate configuration of the reactor system 313 is an eight or six actuating cell configuration, the control system 301 tells the ECU 305 a third reactor relay 308 or a third. Instruct each of the reactor relays 309 of 4 to be activated. If the first reactor relay 304 or the second reactor relay 308 is operating first, the control system 301 instructs the ECU 305 to first shut down the first or second reactor relay. (In some cases), then instruct the ECU 305 to activate the third reactor relay 308 or the fourth reactor relay 309.

However, by changing the configuration of the reactor system 313 to a smaller working cell configuration, the rate of electrolysis can be increased, resulting in an increase in the amount of heat generated in the reactor system 313. This may have the effect of raising the temperature of the reactor system 313. However, if the reactor system 313 is already operating at high temperatures, reducing the number of working electrolytic cells in the reactor system 313 may have the effect of overheating the reactor system 313 and is ideal. May not be. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the control system 301 also considers the temperature of the reactor system 313 at 1010A before changing the configuration of the reactor system 313.

For example, if it is determined that the reactor system 313 is already operating at high temperature (ie, determined by a temperature sensor or current sensor), the control system 301 will have 10 or 8 reactor systems 313. Alternatively, it can be determined that switching to a 6 working cell configuration simply results in a further increase in the temperature of the reactor system 313 (ie, as a result of increased gas production). Therefore, the control system 301 can determine that it is appropriate to maintain the current cell configuration.

At 1014A, when the control system 301 makes appropriate changes to the reactor system configuration (if necessary), method 1000A ends.

Alternatively, if the control system 301 determines at 1006A that an additional supply of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas does not need to be supplied to the ICE 208, the control system 301 is at 1006A'and the ICE 208 has excess hydrogen and oxygen. Is received.

If this is determined to be the case, the control system 301 modifies the configuration of the reactor system 313 at 1012A. For example, if the control system 301 determines that the ICE 208 needs to reduce the influx of hydrogen and oxygen, the control system 301 will configure the reactor system 313 with the 12 actuating cells shown in FIG. 4A. Change to either the configuration or the 10 actuating cell configurations shown in FIG. 4B. By modifying the configuration of the reactor system 313 to include a large number of working cells, the amount of hydrogen and gas delivered to the ICE 208 by the reactor system 313 will be reduced. Specifically, the control system 301 can instruct the ECU 305 to change the configuration by stopping or operating the relay elements 304 to 309 at 908.

For example, at 1012A, if the control system 301 changes the configuration of the reactor system 313 to a configuration of 10 actuating cells, the control system 301 instructs the ECU 305 to activate the second reactor relay 306. If the first reactor relay 304, the third reactor relay 308, or the fourth reactor relay 309 is operating first, the control system 301 first informs the ECU 305 of the first, third, or first. Instruct the reactor relay of 4 to be stopped (in some cases), and then instruct the ECU 305 to activate the second reactor relay 306.

Similarly, at 1012A, if the control system 301 determines that the proper configuration of the reactor system 313 is a 12 actuating cell configuration, the control system 301 activates the first reactor relay 304 in the ECU 305. Instruct them to do so. If the second reactor relay 306, the third reactor relay 308, or the fourth reactor relay 309 is operating first, the control system 301 tells the ECU 305 first, second, third, or second. Instructs (in some cases) to shut down any of the reactor relays in 4, and then instructing the ECU 305 to activate the first reactor relay 304.

If the control system 301 determines at 1006A'that the ICE 208 has not received excess gas, the process returns to 1002 and the control system 301 continues to receive monitoring information from the ECM 206.

When the control system 301 makes appropriate changes to the configuration of the reactor system, the process ends at 1014A.

Next, see FIG. 10B, which shows a further exemplary embodiment of Method 1000B, which modifies the configuration of the reactor system 313 according to the hydrogen and oxygen requirements of the ICE coupled to the reactor system 313. do. Method 1000B may also be performed by control system 301.

Specifically, if the method 1000B determines in 1006B'that a larger amount of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas needs to be supplied to the ICE 208, then in 1011B the control system 301 determines the temperature of the reactor system. Then, at 1012B', it is similar to method 1000A of FIG. 10A, except that the configuration of the reactor system 313 is additionally modified based on the temperature of the reactor system 313.

As described above, the control system 301 can determine the ambient temperature of the reactor system 301 using the information received from the temperature sensor 355. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 301 can also use, for example, current consumption information received from the current sensor 370 to determine the relative temperature of the reactor system 301.

Then, at 1012B', the control system 301 can change the configuration of the reactor system based on both the gas needs of the ICE 208 and the temperature of the reactor system 301. In at least some cases, the control system 301 requires a larger number of actuated cell configurations (eg, 10 actuated cells or 12 actuated cells) of the reactor system 301 to reduce gas production. However, it can be determined that the reactor system 301 is already operating at a low temperature. Therefore, changing the cell configuration of the reactor system 301 to a larger number of operating cells can cause an undesired drop in the operating temperature of the reactor system 301. In such a case, the control system 301 can determine at 1012B'that the configuration of the reactor system must not be changed.

To provide a complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein, a number of specific details are given herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these examples can be performed without these specific details. Other examples do not detail well-known methods, procedures, and components so as not to obscure the description of the examples. Moreover, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of these examples in any way, but rather merely as an explanation of the embodiments of these various embodiments. be.

Claims (49)

It is a system that changes the configuration of an electrolytic reactor, and the system is
An electrolytic cell assembly comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, wherein the plurality of electrolytic cells are configured to perform electrolysis on an electrolyte solution, and the electrolytic cell assembly has at least two operations. With an electrolytic cell assembly configured to operate in mode,
With at least one switching element coupled to the electrolytic reactor assembly,
A control unit operably coupled to the at least one switching element and the electrolytic reactor assembly.
A monitoring system coupled with the control unit, the electrolytic reactor assembly, and the at least one switching element, such that the monitoring system monitors at least one attribute associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly. The control unit comprises a monitoring system configured in, based on the at least one attribute of the electrolytic reactor assembly monitored by the monitoring system, the electrolytic reaction between the at least two modes of operation. A system configured to modify said configuration of a reactor assembly. The monitoring system comprises a temperature sensor configured to monitor the ambient temperature associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, and the control unit has the configuration of the electrolytic reactor assembly based on the ambient temperature. The system according to claim 1, which is configured to be modified. The system of claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor is located in the vicinity of the electrolytic reactor assembly. The monitoring system includes a current sensor configured to monitor current consumption by the electrolytic reactor assembly, and the control unit is based on the current consumption by the electrolytic reactor assembly. The system of claim 1, wherein the configuration of the assembly is configured to be modified. The system according to claim 4, wherein the gas generation rate of the electrolytic reactor assembly is determined based on the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly. The plurality of electrolytic cells are divided between a first cell unit and a second cell unit, and the first cell unit and the second cell unit are arranged in parallel with each other. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrolytic cells of the first cell unit and the second cell unit are arranged in series with each other. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first cell unit and the second cell unit share a common negative electricity. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the first cell unit and the second cell unit comprises six electrolytic cells. The at least one switching element is
The first switching element coupled to the six electrolytic cells in the first cell unit and the six electrolytic cells in the second cell unit.
A second switching element coupled to the five electrolytic cells in the first cell unit and the five electrolytic cells in the second cell unit.
A third switching element coupled to the four electrolytic cells in the first cell unit and the four electrolytic cells in the second cell unit.
It comprises at least one of three electrolytic cells in the first cell unit and a fourth switching element coupled to the three electrolytic cells in the second cell unit. The system according to claim 8. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a first mode of operation by activating the first switching element based on a first signal from the monitoring system. The system of claim 9, wherein the first signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the first predetermined temperature range. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a first mode of operation by activating the first switching element based on a first signal from the monitoring system. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first signal indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the first predetermined current consumption. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a second operating mode by activating the second switching element based on a second signal from the monitoring system. The second signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the second predetermined temperature range, and the second predetermined temperature range is lower than the first predetermined temperature range, according to claim 9. The system according to any one of up to 11. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a second mode of operation by activating the second switching element based on a second signal from the monitoring system. The second signal indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the second predetermined current consumption, and the second predetermined current consumption range is the first predetermined current consumption. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is lower than the range of current consumption of. By operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second operating mode, the electrolytic reactor system generates more heat than operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first operating mode. , The system according to claim 12 or 13. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a third operating mode by activating the third switching element based on a third signal from the monitoring system. The third signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the third predetermined temperature range, and the third predetermined temperature range is lower than the second predetermined temperature range, according to claim 9. The system according to any one of up to 14. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a third operating mode by activating the third switching element based on a third signal from the monitoring system. The third signal indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the third predetermined current consumption, and the third predetermined current consumption range is the second predetermined current consumption. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, which is lower than the range of current consumption of. By operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third operating mode, the electrolytic reactor system can operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in either the first operating mode or the second operating mode. The system according to claim 15 or 16, which generates more heat than it operates. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a fourth operating mode by activating the fourth switching element based on a fourth signal from the monitoring system. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the fourth signal indicates that the ambient temperature is within the third predetermined temperature range. The control unit is configured to operate the electrolytic reactor assembly in a fourth operating mode by activating the fourth switching element based on a fourth signal from the monitoring system. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the fourth signal indicates that the current consumption of the electrolytic reactor assembly is within the range of the third predetermined current consumption. By operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth operating mode, the electrolytic reactor system is either the first operating mode, the second operating mode, or the third operating mode. The system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the electrolytic reactor assembly generates more heat than operating the electrolytic reactor assembly. The monitoring system is further configured to monitor one or more operating states of the internal combustion engine, and the control unit is at least one said based on said one or more operating states of the internal combustion engine. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, which is configured to control a switching element. A method of modifying the configuration of an electrolytic reactor, wherein the electrolytic reactor comprises an electrolytic reactor assembly comprising a plurality of electrolytic cells, and the electrolytic reactor assembly electrolyzes the electrolyte solution. The method is configured to run and operate in at least two modes of operation.
The step of determining at least one attribute associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly by the monitoring system and
A step of analyzing the at least one attribute by a control unit coupled to the monitoring system.
A step of determining an operating mode associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly by the control unit based on the at least one attribute.
A method comprising the step of changing the configuration of the electrolytic reactor to the operating mode determined by the control unit using at least one switching element. A step of combining the first switching element with a first predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic reactor assembly.
A step of connecting the second switching element to a second predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic cell assembly, wherein the second predetermined number of electrolytic cells is the first predetermined number. With fewer steps than the electrolytic cell of
The step of combining the third switching element with a third predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic cell assembly, wherein the third predetermined number of electrolytic cells is the second predetermined number. With fewer steps than the electrolytic cell of
The step of combining the fourth switching element with a fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic cell assembly, wherein the fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells is the third predetermined number. 22. The method of claim 22, further comprising at least one of the steps, which is fewer than the electrolytic cell of. If the first signal from the monitoring system identifies a first predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the first switching element, in the first mode of operation. 23. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly. If the first signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of first predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the first operation by activating the first switching element. 23. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in mode. If the second signal from the monitoring system identifies a second predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the second switching element, in the second mode of operation. One of claims 23 to 25, which is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly, wherein the second predetermined temperature range further includes a step lower than the first predetermined temperature range. The method described in the section. If the second signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of second predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the second operation by activating the second switching element. 23. A step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in a mode, wherein the second predetermined current consumption range further includes a step lower than the first predetermined current consumption range. The method according to any one of up to 25. The step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second operating mode causes the electrolytic reactor system to generate more heat than the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first operating mode. The method according to claim 26 or 27. If a third signal from the monitoring system identifies a third predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the third switching element, in a third mode of operation. One of claims 23 to 28, which is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly, wherein the third predetermined temperature range further includes a step lower than the second predetermined temperature range. The method described in the section. If the third signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of third predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the third operation by activating the third switching element. 23. A step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in a mode, wherein the third predetermined current consumption range further includes a step lower than the second predetermined current consumption range. The method according to any one of up to 28. By the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third operating mode, the electrolytic reactor system installs the electrolytic reactor assembly in either the first operating mode or the second operating mode. 29 or 30. The method of claim 29 or 30, which generates more heat than the step of operating. If the fourth signal from the monitoring system identifies the third predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the fourth operating mode is activated by activating the fourth switching element. 23. The method of any one of claims 23-31, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly. If the third signal from the monitoring system identifies the range of the third predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the fourth switching element, the fourth. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in an operating mode. By the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth operating mode, the electrolytic reactor system is either the first operating mode, the second operating mode, or the third operating mode. 32. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein more heat is generated than in the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly. The electrolytic reactor is coupled to an internal combustion engine, the electrolyte solution used in the electrolytic reactor is water, and the method is:
A step of detecting one or more operating conditions associated with an internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine is configured to burn a mixture of carbon-based fuel, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas.
In the control unit, a step of determining whether the internal combustion engine requires a larger amount of hydrogen gas, and
If the internal combustion engine requires a larger amount of the hydrogen gas, the step of operating at least one of the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element is further added. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 34, including. A computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions, the instructions being executable to cause a processor to perform a method of changing the configuration of an electrolytic reactor, wherein the electrolytic reactor is a plurality. The method comprises an electrolytic reactor assembly comprising an electrolytic cell, wherein the electrolytic reactor assembly is configured to perform electrolysis on an electrolyte solution and operate in at least two modes of operation.
The step of determining at least one attribute associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly by the monitoring system and
A step of analyzing at least one attribute determined by the monitoring system by a control unit coupled to the monitoring system.
A step of determining an operating mode associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly by the control unit based on the at least one attribute.
A computer-readable medium comprising the step of changing the configuration of the electrolytic reactor to the operating mode determined by the control unit by at least one switching element. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
A step of combining the first switching element with a first predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic reactor assembly.
A step of connecting the second switching element to a second predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic cell assembly, wherein the second predetermined number of electrolytic cells is the first predetermined number. With fewer steps than the electrolytic cell of
The step of combining the third switching element with a third predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic cell assembly, wherein the third predetermined number of electrolytic cells is the second predetermined number. With fewer steps than the electrolytic cell of
The step of combining the fourth switching element with a fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells in the electrolytic cell assembly, wherein the fourth predetermined number of electrolytic cells is the third predetermined number. 36. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 36, further comprising at least one of the steps, which is less than the number of electrolytic cells in the cell. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If the first signal from the monitoring system identifies a first predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the first switching element, in the first mode of operation. 39. The non-temporary computer-readable medium of claim 37, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If the first signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of first predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the first operation by activating the first switching element. 39. The non-temporary computer-readable medium of claim 37, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in mode. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If the second signal from the monitoring system identifies a second predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the second switching element, in the second mode of operation. One of claims 37 to 39, which is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly, wherein the second predetermined temperature range further includes a step lower than the first predetermined temperature range. Non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Section. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If the second signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of second predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the second operation by activating the second switching element. 37. A step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in a mode, wherein the second predetermined current consumption range further includes a step lower than the first predetermined current consumption range. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of up to 39. The step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the second operating mode causes the electrolytic reactor system to generate more heat than the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the first operating mode. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 40 or 41. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If a third signal from the monitoring system identifies a third predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the third switching element, in a third mode of operation. One of claims 37 to 42, which is a step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly, wherein the third predetermined temperature range further includes a step lower than the second predetermined temperature range. Non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Section. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If the third signal from the monitoring system identifies a range of third predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the third operation by activating the third switching element. 37. A step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in a mode, wherein the third predetermined current consumption range further includes a step lower than the second predetermined current consumption range. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of up to 42. By the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the third operating mode, the electrolytic reactor system installs the electrolytic reactor assembly in either the first operating mode or the second operating mode. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 43 or 44, which generates more heat than the step of operating. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If the fourth signal from the monitoring system identifies the third predetermined temperature range associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, the fourth operating mode is activated by activating the fourth switching element. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 37 to 45, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in. The instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium are executable to cause the processor to perform the method.
If the fourth signal from the monitoring system identifies the range of the third predetermined current consumption associated with the electrolytic reactor assembly, by activating the fourth switching element, the fourth. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 37 to 45, further comprising the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in an operating mode. By the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in the fourth operating mode, the electrolytic reactor system is either the first operating mode, the second operating mode, or the third operating mode. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 46 or 47, which generates more heat than the step of operating the electrolytic reactor assembly in. The electrolytic reactor is coupled to an internal combustion engine, the electrolyte solution used in the electrolytic reactor is water, and the instructions stored in the non-temporary computer-readable medium give the processor the method. It is feasible to do so, and the method described above
A step of detecting one or more operating conditions associated with an internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine is configured to burn a mixture of carbon-based fuel, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas.
In the control unit, a step of determining whether the internal combustion engine requires a larger amount of hydrogen gas, and
If the internal combustion engine requires a larger amount of the hydrogen gas, the step of operating at least one of the second switching element, the third switching element, and the fourth switching element is further added. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 37 to 48, including the invention.

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